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, […]
Adopting the House of Representatives Rules
Now that we have a Speaker, what happens next in Congress? The House of Representatives must adopt rules that govern their operations every two years. The 118th Congress votes on those rules as the second order of business. (The Constitution requires the House to elect a Speaker as the first order of business). It’s important […]
North American Union and You
There is a movement afoot that seldom, if ever, makes national news. It’s called the “North American Union.” It is a long-range plan that’s been in the works for years. The goal is to erase the borders between contiguous countries to the north and the south of the U.S., leaving one ginormous nation called the […]
How Do You Select Leaders?
When you cast your ballot, what factors determine who you choose to lead? How do you select leaders? That was the topic in my Jr. High civics class this week. It sounds so simple, but then again, it’s not easy, as my ‘tweens discovered. Maturity I asked the students what “maturity” meant. One child answered, […]
The Doctrine of Separation of Powers
Chess pieces on chess board illustrate the separation of powers.
October Surprises
We hear a lot about anticipated “October Surprises” at this time of the year. These events may change our minds, focus, or direction rather suddenly.
Global, National, and State Issues Affecting Your Life
Let’s apply common sense civics and citizenship to global, national, and state issues affecting your life. These subjects have been rolling around in my brain because they affect my life, country, and my world. A State Issue Affecting Your Life We’ve talked about gerrymandering, the controversial but legal practice of redrawing elec-toral districts to gain […]
