Do you know the role of Judges? Our constitutional illiteracy shows up in misconceptions about their job. You might be surprised by the truth behind the Judge’s role in our Constitutional Republic. Let’s take a look: Authority Myth 1. Judges do not have the authority to make laws. That authority belongs solely to the Legislative […]
Passion vs. Wisdom in Governance
What are your hopes and dreams? We generally fail to realize that how we are governed has more to say about whether we will ever realize them. The Impact of Governance on Our Hopes and Dreams When I sat down to think about this question years ago, it led me to study our founding documents […]
Understanding Checks and Balances on SCOTUS
One of our participants recently asked me a question regarding checks and balances that had me thinking for the past 24 hours. The reader is wondering what clear checks and balances exist for the Supreme Court, “since its rulings are truly far-reaching and highly impactful.” Presidential Check on SCOTUS When we think of checks and […]
Founders’ Values: A Surprising Legacy
What the Founders believed may surprise you. Contrary to common teachings today, very few deists existed in the 18th century. Therefore, deists were outnumbered. Judeo-Christian Morality: A Shared Foundation The Framers had a common belief in Judeo-Christian moral values (not religious doctrine) that are still widely held today. You know the ones- don’t cheat, steal, […]
Framers’ Wisdom: Crafting America’s Constitution
How did our Constitution come into being? Did our Framers mosey into an English-style Pub, order an adult beverage, and begin kicking some ideas around the table? Who inspired them? Today, social media has key influencers. Although our Framers of the Constitution did not have the internet, they had “influencers” whose ideas stood the test […]
Understanding Rights of Undocumented Immigrants
Do criminal illegal aliens have rights in our country? One of our participants asked, “Why do so many believe constitutional rights apply to anyone setting foot on U.S. soil rather than, specifically, U.S. citizens?” I’ve been thinking a lot about this question from a Civics and Constitution teacher’s perspective. Now, I am not a lawyer. […]
Understanding Congress’s Powers: A Civic Duty
Several of our participants have recently commented on the powers given to Congress in Article 1, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Do you remember what specific powers those are? We the People grant those powers to Congress, so we should familiarize ourselves with them. Congress has been given power only over the 17 specific […]
Congress Basics: Names, Numbers
How much do you know about how Congress works? This week, my junior high is studying names and numbers about Congress and how it works. Here’s a quick quiz to see how much we adult Americans know. Below is an answer bank to help. Hint: there are more answers than you will need. Challenge: see […]
Executive Power vs. Judicial Review
My recent article, “Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/executive-branch-powers-judicial-branch-role/), elicited a variety of opinions on whether the Administration (Executive Branch) is correct to use the Alien Enemy Act and Ludecke v Watkins to deport illegal migrants. My Opinion and Emphasis I wrote, “…What I see going on is the prevailing winds of personal and political […]
The Economy IS a Civics Issue
Recently, I was informed by a participant that my article, “DOGE, Dividends, and Debt” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/doge-dividends-and-debt/ )was political and not a civics issue. I say economic issues are civics issues. Let’s discuss. The Economy Impacts Our Lives Comprehending how your government taxes you, spends your money or grows the economy is essential to understanding how our […]
The Constitution Limits the President
Where in the Constitution is the President getting his authority to make so many changes? This question is swirling around in the minds of Americans, so let’s make some discoveries. The Constitution gives the President Limited and Defined Powers First, any U. S. President’s authority to make various changes during their administration is primarily derived […]
Senate Confirmation Hearings Teach Civics
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 […]
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 […]
Constitution Be Changed By Passing a Law?
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 […]
Significance of Inauguration
The Significance of January 3: Swearing in the New Congress (Happy Holidays! Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, where I am answering a few of your questions today. Let’s get started). Why is the new Congress (119th Congress) sworn in on January 3? What is so special about that day? The Twentieth Amendment, […]
