There are civics lessons in Senate Confirmation hearings. Since we have hearings this week for Cabinet positions, this is an excellent opportunity to see how the confirmation process works. After all, these hearings are not only for the Senate but for We The People. You would be surprised at what you can learn in a […]
Goal, Law, or Executive Order?
Do you know the difference between a goal, a law, and an executive order? It is essential to understand that these terms are not interchangeable in civics. My high school class offered some definitions I’d like to share. Goal Law Executive Order It’s Important to Know the Difference When listening to commentators, officeholders, bosses, instructors, […]
Preserving the Peaceful Transfer of Power
As we prepare for the peaceful transfer of power in our nation on January 20, perhaps you thought the 2024 election was controversial. History shows our nation had other contentious moments but came together for a peaceful transfer of power. Controversy and Unity in the Election of 1800 Look up the election in 1800 between […]
Can Passing a Law Change the Constitution?
The U.S. Constitution can be changed, but only by the Amendment process as outlined in Article V. A couple of people on the Common Sense Civics and Citizenship education page have argued that our legislators can pass a law that changes the Constitution. Not understanding how the Constitution works is a civics issue, so let’s […]
Another Government Shutdown??
Here we go again. Another Government Shutdown by Saturday? There are six bills that must be passed to avert a “shutdown.” These bills deal mostly with Homeland Security. There are broad disagreements over securing the border and immigration. What”s Behind a Government Shutdown Keep in mind what is behind a government shutdown. There’s the proverbial […]
Checks and Balances
Checks and balances prevent the abuse of power. We’re experiencing, live and in real-time, the checks and balances system of our government under scrutiny. Our Founders foresaw the need to “build in” a process that would take the country through peaceful transitions when the Constitution has been blatantly violated by “the President, Vice-President and all […]
Three Branches of Government and Why It Matters
How did our Founders arrive at the concept of three branches of government, and why does it matter? The Concept of Three Branches of Government Goes Way Back Have you ever heard of Polybius, the ancient Greek historian? Me neither, until today. He found the three popular forms of governance in his day to have […]
The Four Types of Jurisdiction
Do you know the four types of government jurisdiction? Hint: the first one is not national government! Self-government is the first jurisdiction of government. To live in a free society, one must govern oneself. This involves self-control, maturity, and a set of values that respects the proper use of personal freedom as well as the […]
America Will Survive
America will survive. Some of you have written to me that, as a country, you think we are doomed. Last week, I heard this while driving: “America has had problems before. We solved the problems. It will be good again.” This sentiment resonates with me. I believe America will survive. Things will be good again […]
Is Our Constitutional Republic On the Verge of Collapse?
If you read the news, you would think the American Constitutional Republic is in danger of collapse. All this fear is in the wake of the Speaker’s chair being vacated. Let’s “get a grip” with a few facts. First, fear sells news. Second, fear of our Republic dying sells news. Third, fear gets your attention […]
Government Shutdown? We Will Survive
So, if there is a government shutdown, what does that mean for you? I know we’ve been told that the world will come to an end. Sigh. That was until the looming shutdown hit the back pages of the news cycle… until it becomes front and center once again soon. Been There. Done That. We’ve […]
Liberty and Lawlessness Cannot Co-Exist
Liberty and lawlessness cannot co-exist. Only moral governments can remain free. There are Americans who object to the statement by Founding Father, the first Vice-President, and second President of the United States, John Adams. He said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of […]
Consistency Is Key In Being American
I am humbled and truly impressed that our Founders understood the need to tolerate each other’s differences but united on a common goal: to build the United States of America on sound principles that work when practiced with consistency. As an illustration, have you ever heard of a 3 yr old’s basketball team? I went […]
Excuse! What Is the Government’s Latest?
Have you noticed a trend lately? Government makes an excuse for perceived errors. It goes something like this: (relax, people) “It happens all the time.” Isn’t this excusing the abnormal away? What is the Government’s latest excuse? Here are a few examples: “Lots of countries have il-legals crossing the border.” In other words, you and […]
The Simplest Explanation
What in the world is going on? If we listen and observe, sometimes the truth is right there in front of us. The simplest explanation for an occurrence is usually correct. As I write this, there has been yet another train derailment, and three more UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena-it’s the new name for UFOs) are […]
