Who were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists? As we consider the Constitutional debates, let’s clarify these two groups of patriots. Yes, that’s right. Both groups were patriotic Americans and supported the Constitution. They raised different but compelling concerns over what type of Constitutional government would best serve Americans then and in the future. Why the […]
Constitution Day 2026: Why the U.S. Constitution Still Matters for ‘We the People’
Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, where we are highlighting Constitution Day (September 17). It’s vital that Americans remember the Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land.” Even amid distractions, We the People are responsible for the direction of our government. Its success or failure rests with us. Let’s reflect on this […]
What Was at Stake? The Constitutional Debate
We think today’s political climate is contentious, but what about the Constitutional debates prior to adopting and ratifying our U.S. Constitution? At stake was whether we would have a national government or a loose confederation of states. The Birth of American Government: A Story o f Dialogue and Debate Each side had pros and cons. […]
Can Passing a Law Change the Constitution?
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 […]
