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 […]
The Surprising Connections Between Amendments V and VI and Everyday Life
There are surprising connections between Amendments V and VI. For example, have you ever wondered where you retain the legal right to remain silent if arrested? Or what happens if you, as the defendant, can’t afford legal counsel for criminal or civil court proceedings? Constitutional Amendments V and VI, respectively, address those rights. As you […]
Navigating the Twenty-Fifth Amendment: A Guide
The Twenty-fifth Amendment concerns presidential succession and disability. “In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice-President shall become President.” In light of recent discoveries by a Special Counsel regarding the current President, (that he is mentally unsound to face a criminal prosecution trial) Americans are […]
Who Wins the Border Dispute? Texas or the Federal Government?
What you believe depends on your interpretation of the border dispute between Texas and the federal government. Do you think the federal government has the authority and, therefore, the responsibility to protect non-citizens from possible injuries while they try to take a “back door” into Texas? Does this impact BP agents from doing their work? […]
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 […]
US Constitution: Does It Ever Mention God?
One of our commenters last week asserted that “God is never mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.” Our regular participants here at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship know that the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution comprise our Founding American Documents. So, rather than the filtered, watered-down opinions of “the politician, press, or professor,” let’s […]
Founding Principles: Constitutional Precautions
(This is the fourth in a series on Founding Principles with help from the Bill of Rights Institute. These principles are the foundation of our Constitutional Republic. They keep us a free, self-governing people. So far, we have covered Natural Rights, Consent and a Republic, and Limited Government). Grab a cup of coffee or tea […]
Constitution Day, September 17
In honor of Constitution Day, September 17, join me as we revisit a post from 2018 where we consider the Constitution’s original intent and its relevance to today. She is Alison LaCroix, a Professor of Law and an associate member of the Department of History at the University of Chicago. (1) She quotes a colleague […]
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 […]
Can a Prisoner Run for President?
Can a prisoner run for President? What about Secret Service protection? Those questions are receiving a lot of media attention this week. Let’s take a look at the Constitution and current law for the answer. What the Law Says and Does Not Say Yes, an imprisoned candidate for president can run for office. Article II, […]
Could We Lose One Amendment In Our Bill of Rights?
What if a political party or a group of representatives carefully crafts a proposed amendment that circumvents an amendment in our Bill of Rights? This is a question from one of our participants. It’s a point that we ought to explore. Our participant points out that today we see a complete disregard for our U.S. […]
Does the Constitution Only Provide for a Navy?
Does the U.S. Constitution allow the United States to have a standing Army? One of our participants raised this topic because they and many other Americans believe we are only constitutionally allowed to maintain a Navy. Let’s prepare ourselves to answer this question from a Constitutional perspective. First, what does the Constitution say? “The Congress […]
The Military and EVs
What about the military getting a fleet of Electrical Vehicles (EVs) trucks? What are they thinking? And what does the Constitution say about national defense? Let’s take a moment to think about this. Consider the Mission Logistics It is unlikely that soldiers can get to their destination without stopping to charge their EVs. Where will […]
Could Americans Be Forced to House Migrants?
Let’s take a lesson from the Third Amendment and our history. The Constitution forbids the government from forcing us to house soldiers without our consent. Here is the text of the Third Amendment: “No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of […]
Liberty and Lawlessness Cannot Co-Exist
Liberty and lawlessness cannot co-exist. Only moral governments can remain free. There are Americans who object to the statement by Founding Father, the first Vice-President, and second President of the United States, John Adams. He said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of […]
