You’ve probably heard a lot about the NSA, CIA, FBI, and the Secret Service. Do you know the difference between the work these agencies do? While their work may have some overlap, each agency has a distinct role in keeping you and me safe. Let’s refresh our knowledge of how these agencies serve We the […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Speaker of the House: Chaos? Or Constitutional Republic At Work?
The election of the Speaker of the House is going on and on and on. That’s a good thing. It’s our Constitutional Republic at work. Article 1, Section 2 lists the first order of business for the House: Elect a Speaker. It doesn’t say the process is microwavable. Instead, there are no time limits on […]
Making Article 1 Interesting Again
How do you make the U.S. Constitution’s Article I interesting enough for Americans to pay attention to it? Let me tell you. It’s a challenge! This week, I will teach 7th and 8th graders an overview of the Constitution. A few hours later, I teach Article I to homeschooled high schoolers. The next night, I […]
Lobbyist-a Changing Role
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a beautiful day of thanks and celebration. I was with family out of state, so there is only one article this week and it is an eye-opener. For all of you who thought “lobbyist” is a dirty […]
What In the World Is Going On Here?
Yes, I feel it, too. What is going on in the nation? It’s been hard to discuss the Constitution when our country is grieving and a whirlwind is swirling around us. Frankly, one reader confided in me that they are confused. Since this is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, let’s emphasize “common sense” as we […]
A Road Map for What’s Next
“These are the times that try men’s souls…”- Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense. As Americans, we can relate to Thomas Paine’s pain, if you will. We wonder, what will happen in the next days and weeks to our country? What will be the outcome? Since this is a civics education page, I will summarize […]
Simple Civics 101-How a Bill Becomes a Law
Simple Civics 101- a weekly review of basic American civics Today we are reviewing the process of how a bill becomes a law. Boring, you say? Maybe. But you and I have to follow the laws that Congress passes. Let’s get some reassurance that there is a process, including review, revision, and debate. That is […]
Term Limits-Good or Bad?
How familiar are you with the idea of term limits for Congress? Do you even care? I hope you do. My purpose here is not to argue about term limits because both sides make a solid case for their position. I doubt if anything I say will change your mind. (People dig their heels in […]
Simple Civics 101
The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch is the least popular branch among Americans. You may likely be one of those Americans who disapproves of Congress. They make law, but some would argue that they do nothing (which is good, because then there are fewer laws to follow)! Ironically, We the People elect those who serve […]
