As we prepare for the peaceful transfer of power in our nation on January 20, perhaps you thought the 2024 election was controversial. History shows our nation had other contentious moments but came together for a peaceful transfer of power. Controversy and Unity in the Election of 1800 Look up the election in 1800 between […]
The Laws That Govern U.S. Elections
Ever wonder where all the laws governing our elections are found? I know what the Constitution says, but what about U.S. Law? Let’s make sense of it all. With AI’s (1) help, I researched this topic to organize these laws and statutes in my mind. The national laws governing presidential elections are primarily based on […]
Ranked-Choice Voting and You
Do you find ranked-choice voting confusing? Do you know what RCV is? Let’s discover this new way of voting used by Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas, and Wyoming. Nevada used this method for absentee caucus voters. It is also used in some cities. Proponents of ranked-choice voting (RCV) say it is fair and straightforward since the most […]
The Present Is All We Have
Many Americans seem to be in a post-election high or a post-election funk. Although this may be true, let’s address those living here and now, not living in yesterday’s results or tomorrow’s hopes. After all, you and I cannot control the past or the future. The present is all we have. Is it appropriate to […]
The Best Post-Election Analysis
The best post-election analysis may be your own, not someone else’s. Why? Because you can think for yourself, make observations, and use deductive reasoning. More on that in a moment. As an illustration, the newspeople you trust give you THEIR thoughts. But you have your own thoughts on the matter, so why not ask yourself […]
Don’t Fear the Election Process
We need not fear the election process because we have two things: our United States Constitution and our vote. Treasure them and use them wisely. https://civicsandcitizenship.org/the-constitution-the-supreme-law-of-the-land/ What Is Your Part in the Election Process? Two years ago, one of our participants at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship commented about her experience as an election judge. […]
How Can You Know a Candidate?
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship! We are a month away from elections, so it’s time to be thinking about the candidates, their credentials, but most of all, finding out who they are from reliable sources-namely the candidate’s own actions. Let’s jump right in! How can you know a candidate? You […]
Now What?
Where do we go from here? Things are happening so fast in these post-election hours and days that we aren’t sure what is going on. Seriously. Remember: the first story is never the real story. We follow that rule here at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. Patience is your friend in this election of 2020. […]
Presidential Debate Makeover
By now, you have heard and seen it all about the first presidential debate, which many Americans are struggling to call a “debate.” It’s been called a lot of things, mostly negative. Americans instinctively know what debate should look and sound like. For sure, the debate did not follow the rules for civility that we […]
The Peaceful Transfer of Power
Do you think this election is contentious? Got a few minutes? Look up the election in 1800 between the Democrat-Republican Thomas Jefferson and Federalist John Adams. Being free ain’t easy. America was divided in the election of 1800 between those who wanted a strong central government that emphasized a healthy manufacturing sector, and those who […]
Simple Civics 101 Election Basics
Feeling bombarded with ads, calls, billboards, texts, etc. about the November 3 election? It’s a war! The war is over YOU and your vote. Every modern means to secure your support is used. Generals in any war use tactics to win the skirmishes and battles along the way. Elections are like that. Sound bites, slogans, […]
Questions, Questions
From the mailbox… Once again, let’s take a peek inside my Common Sense Civics and Citizenship mailbox to see what Americans are thinking about. As you will see, all of the questions relate to the upcoming presidential election. Maybe you have been asked a similar question or two. Is it better to vote by mail […]
