The Supreme Court Renders Its Opinion on the Fourteenth Amendment, Sec. 3: The big winner is The U.S. Constitution, 9-0. What Does the Supreme Court’s Decision Say? “Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 (of the fourteenth amendment) against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the states.” The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court, […]
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 […]
What Is An American Invasion?
Americans nationwide are talking about an invasion. What is an “invasion” anyway? You may not have the correct answer if your definition comes from a politician, the press, or a professor. When dealing with words in the Constitution, like “invasion,” we cannot automatically ascribe today’s meanings (or feelings) to the same word as it was […]
The Fourteenth Amendment In the News
Let’s brush up on the Fourteenth Amendment, which is once again in the news. Indeed, it is the Christmas holiday season. So, we will look at this with the aim to be informed citizens. There is no politics, just education outside the realm of public opinion. The Question Can a state disqualify a presidential candidate […]
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 […]
December 7th, 1941- “A Date That Will Live In Infamy”
Will December 7th, 1941 be “a date that will live in infamy?’ Not if we don’t pause, reflect on the lessons of history, and pass it on to our children. This week, I taught a Jr. High Civics lesson on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to my students. They were particularly interested in the wreckage of […]
The Fourteenth Amendment
I’m sure you’ve heard that the Fourteenth Amendment is in the news. Let’s revisit our Constitution to ensure We the People can interpret the story correctly, not letting emotional media reports guide us. Amendment XIV- One of the Post-Civil War Amendments Amendments Thirteen through Fifteen are called the post-Civil War Amendments or Slave Amendments. Amendment […]
Founding Principles: Consent and a Republic
(This is the second in a series on Founding Principles with help from the Bill of Rights Institute. These principles are the foundation of our Constitutional Republic). If I titled this article “Consent and a Republican Government,” I’m guessing at least half the viewers and readers of this page would think I was talking about […]
The Culture (Is this what matters most)?
Much of our news, in one way or another, concerns the culture and social issues, including sex. Is this what matters most? Somehow, these private matters have become political. Daily, the news involves sexual issues. Is it because sex sells? Or is our culture being dragged away and enticed into arenas that divert our attention […]
Religion and a Free People Can Co-exist
Religion and a Free People can co-exist. In fact, they must. In my recent article, “Liberty and Lawlessness Cannot Co-Exist,” I agreed with Founder John Adams that moral values are essential to remaining a free people. (see https://civicsandcitizenship.org/liberty-and-lawlessness-cannot-co-exist/ )I often receive pushback on this subject. On Religion and a Free People in the Founders’ Words […]
Know What You Believe
Remember what we learned about conversing with someone who has an opposing viewpoint? Know what you believe. Know what they believe. Know what they believe about what you believe. (Note: Today’s post is from a Facebook article I wrote. Here is another similar article from this website with additional information: https://civicsandcitizenship.org/the-right-to-protest/ There are some illustrative […]
Indictment
Here are my common sense steps to follow the proceedings in the indictment against the former president: Look for Constitution Violations 1. Look for violations of the Constitution. Why? Because in this country, if prosecutors can do it to a high-profile government official, they can do it to you. “No one is above the law” […]
Jury Duty- Who, Me?
I just read a community post from a woman who found her jury duty summons unsettling because she would have to miss work. With the price of eggs as they are, I understand her concerns. A bevy of responses offered this woman advice on potential excuses to “get out of jury duty.” Others used the […]
Should Our Leaders Know the Basics of American Government?
The basics of American government-how important is it that our leaders know them? Better yet, do you think it is important? Let’s look at recent occasions of misquoted or forgotten American foundations and then decide. Recently, a prominent national leader misquoted the Declaration of Independence. What did they leave out? “…that we are endowed with […]
Travel Is a Civics Lesson
Travel is a great way to enhance your civics knowledge. It’s a fascinating way to learn about America through the lens of hikes, road trips, and really any mode of travel. Recently, I taught my Jr. High civics students a lesson about travel using three principles: 1. You leave home (travel) to find things different, […]
