A good education goes beyond facts. Learn why civics must teach self-government habits that sustain a Constitutional Republic. That time is here again: after July 4, we think about school in the fall. What defines a “good education”—and what should it teach? The True Purpose of Education The measure is not merely whether students know […]
Declaration Reaffirmation Act: Renewing American Principles
What is the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026? The Senate unanimously passed the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 (S. 4828), which reaffirms the Declaration of Independence as an Organic Law of the United States. The exact wording of the Declaration is included in the bill to ensure its preservation. However, the […]
The Power of Respectful Dissent: Lessons from John Dickinson
Who Was John Dickinson? John Dickinson of Pennsylvania did not support the Declaration of Independence. Instead of organizing a rebellion to overthrow the government, circulating propaganda against office holders, or taking his bat and ball and going home, Dickinson debated John Adams of Massachusetts on July 1, 1776. (Calvert, 2023) Our earliest Americans understood that […]
Resilience and Courage: Lessons from Valley Forge
Seeking Courage in Troubled Times As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I want to share stories of unparalleled American bravery. When terrible scenes, whether in government or on our streets, flood the daily news, seek out courageous stories and pass them on. We need encouragement to be who we are as a nation, […]
Deeply Divided: Rekindling Civic Virtues and Values
One of our participants in Common Sense Civics and Citizenship expressed concerns that our nation’s divisiveness may be irreparable for these reasons: -He says two, maybe 3 generations have been indoctrinated rather than educated. -This participant believes such indoctrination has negatively altered our country’s core values. -He argues that coping with these […]
Memorial Day: Celebrating Heroes Who Served
Memorial Day is a day to celebrate the lives of our American heroes who have died in service to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Below, I’ve gathered the names of a few heroes to help inspire us as we remember why we pause to celebrate. Note their deeds of valiant courage as they served […]
The American Dream: Liberty, Responsibility & Limited Government
There are many interpretations of the American Dream. I just read one by author Walter Isaacson (The Greatest Sentence Ever Written (2025), Simon & Schuster). He talks about how the American Dream is brought to us by our government through economic means. I disagree. I believe the American Dream rests on limited government plus personal […]
Citizenship, Character, and Political Violence
What about the discipline and character of Americans who assassinate or attempt to assassinate high-profile people? It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s examine it together. The first thing I notice, and maybe you do, too, is how much attention these murderers or attempted murderers get. The false, yet often repeated, saying, “negative attention is better […]
Power, Celebrity, and Impulsive Misconduct
I believe people who have been given power and control by We the People sometimes fall into sexual misconduct —not because they think they are so amazing, but because power and celebrity are fuel for impulsive behavior. It must come as a shock when these highly respected people are removed from power, when the cultural […]
American Courage: Triumphs, Resolve, Innovation
A supreme display of courage and American spirit in the last few weeks has taken the edge off the constant bombardment of negativity in the media. American greatness is a citizenship issue. Let’s discuss it. Artemis II Re-entry: A Nation Inspired The Artemis II crew and their high-stakes re-entry captivated Americans, especially those new to […]
Rediscovering Common Ground: Binding a Nation
What does it actually mean to find common ground in our nation today? Let’s continue our discussion based on the writings of Walter Isaacson in his book “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written” (2025). Isaacson’s “Common Ground” and the Greatest Sentence In his chapter “Common Ground,” Isaacson asserts that the Declaration’s self-evident truths “became the creed […]
Timeless Workplace Decorum: Lessons from George Washington
In an age where incivility feels normal, George Washington’s teenage rules offer a surprising guide to workplace and public decorum. Some years ago, followers of Common Sense Civics and Citizenship studied George Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” (Applewood Books, 1988). We learned about the rules of life that George […]
Avoid Tribal Media: Choose Civic Unity
Problems caused by partisan, manipulative, and low‑quality media What kind of media should Americans avoid if they don’t want to break up into a tribal nation (a nation where citizens divide politically, economically, socially, and go to war against each other and eventually break apart)? See also https://civicsandcitizenship.org/americas-challenge-preventing-a-tribal-future/ Don’t consume a steady diet of media […]
Discipline, Faith, and Washington’s Leadership
Recently, I closed an article with this sentence: “Leadership matters…let’s reflect on the importance of leadership, not only whether we like a person or a movement, but also how well we are led.” I came across a couple of General George Washington’s quotes that highlight the discipline and character he expected of individual soldiers […]
Fraternal Affection vs. Factional Fury
What would it look like if America divided itself into two warring divisions with the promise of retribution if one or the other division won power? Let’s look at wisdom from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln that is as relevant today as it was during their time. Guarding Against Partisan Jealousies Washington warned in his […]
