There is new information to add to our discussion on “Executive Power vs Judicial Review” https://civicsandcitizenship.org/executive-power-vs-judicial-review/. There were a certainly a variety of opinions on whether the Administration (Executive Branch) was correct to use the Alien Enemy Act and Ludecke v Watkins to deport illegal migrants. Matt Nahrgang, a lawyer and participant at Common Sense […]
Executive Power vs. Judicial Review
My recent article, “Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/executive-branch-powers-judicial-branch-role/), elicited a variety of opinions on whether the Administration (Executive Branch) is correct to use the Alien Enemy Act and Ludecke v Watkins to deport illegal migrants. My Opinion and Emphasis I wrote, “…What I see going on is the prevailing winds of personal and political […]
Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role
America is dealing with a constitutional problem: Executive Branch powers vs. the role of the Judicial Branch when they disagree. We the People need to stand back for a moment and examine the law and the facts, not the personal or political views we may have. The Question Before Us So, as news and very […]
Civil and Criminal Cases Explained
Recently, the news featured a government “authority” telling us that a particular illegal act should not be treated as criminal. Instead, the “authority” firmly believes this unlawful act is a civil case. We don’t usually think about the difference between civil and criminal cases. It’s a civics issue; we must know their differences, so let’s […]
The Daylight Saving Time Dilemma
It’s that time of year again—Daylight Saving Time. Here we go! Sigh. Every spring, the debate reignites: Should we keep changing the clocks or stay on DST permanently? Supporters and opponents cite everything from natural daylight cycles to energy savings and geographic location. Under federal law, states must follow the twice-yearly change or receive an […]
Goal, Law, or Executive Order?
Do you know the difference between a goal, a law, and an executive order? It is essential to understand that these terms are not interchangeable in civics. My high school class offered some definitions I’d like to share. Goal Law Executive Order It’s Important to Know the Difference When listening to commentators, officeholders, bosses, instructors, […]
The 2025 Wave of New Laws
As 2025 dawns, a tidal wave of new laws is set to reshape our daily lives. Are you ready? I’m usually curious to see the year in review that we are leaving behind, but not this morning. I’m looking at— hold your breath— new laws that you and I must follow as of midnight, January […]
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, […]
The Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Congress makes Laws. We all know that. But do you know how a bill becomes a law? Let’s review the legislative process using my simplified version for my Jr. High class. We also use the well-loved Schoolhouse Rock video “I’m Just a Bill” (song by Dave Frishberg). The parents tell me that even their young […]
NDA- What Is It?
What is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? It is a legally binding contract involving a confidential relationship between at least two parties. It is sometimes called a “confidentiality agreement” or the colloquial term “hush money.” The NDA contract could be between a business and an employee or a soon-to-be former employee. It can also be between […]
Lessons of the Unwanted
You’ve heard the argument: Now that Roe is repealed, who will take all those babies? (Translation: “those babies that should have been aborted”). Then they ask, “will you?” It’s not just the young that think this way. Raise your hand if you’ve heard this argument waged by a middle-aged or older adult. Yes. That’s what […]
Mandates and More
Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. Last week, it was an amazing week in America. We talk about two of the main topics-America’s response on election day and the national mandates in this newsletter. Let’s begin with mandates. I have received positive feedback for explaining this from an educational point of view in […]
Common Sense Applied
Common Sense Applied Do you ever find yourself “connecting the dots?” You know, those times when thoughts are swirling around in your brain? Below are a few of mine as I try to make sense of things. The week’s events caused me to sit down and just let my fingers write and type. I find […]
When Lawlessness Has Free Rein
“The Constitution is not a living organism. It’s a legal document, and it says what it says and doesn’t say what it doesn’t say.”- Justice Antonin Scalia Recently, I was the guest speaker in a high school government class. I taught the Bill of Rights from the late Justice Scalia’s perspective. So, in talking about […]
Personal Thoughts from Candace
Tempers and emotions are high. I have received notes indicating people think I am in a position to control what is happening in our country. I am not in that position. We can only control the two feet we each stand on. The goal here is to help us to think, not take on the […]
