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 […]
President’s Day Reflections on Freedom
President’s Day is here. One way I celebrate the day is by considering the wise sayings of some of our nation’s leaders: Pour a tea or coffee and join me as we take a moment to embrace our personal responsibility to keep the cause of freedom alive. Washington and Lincoln “The Constitution is the guide […]
The Constitution Limits the President
Where in the Constitution is the President getting his authority to make so many changes? This question is swirling around in the minds of Americans, so let’s make some discoveries. The Constitution gives the President Limited and Defined Powers First, any U. S. President’s authority to make various changes during their administration is primarily derived […]
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, […]
America Celebrates with Time-Honored Traditions
Today, our children know our country better by its politics than its traditions. I hope to change that this week in my Jr. High and High School civics classes by asking, “What are some of the Inauguration traditions that our country enjoys?” Did you know there is a First Nail Ceremony? This event, with its […]
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, 1924-2024
The longest living President, Jimmy Carter, passed away this week. Reflections on Carter’s presidency often highlight significant challenges and unpopular or failed solutions. Who remembers lining up to get gas for their car? How about Carter’s strong suggestion to “wear a sweater” and keep indoor temps to 55 degrees? (It was cold!) Remember the Iranian […]
Navigating Presidential Transitions: Building Trust, Setting Priorities, Transferring Power
How much do you know about presidential transitions besides what you hear or read in the news? Most media information is designed to get and keep your attention at a level similar to election season. Remember: news sells. Instead, let’s focus on some facts about the customary presidential transition.Presidential transitions are primarily about four things: […]
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, […]
Is This The Way to Choose a Presidential Candidate?
Are presidential candidates basically activist influencers? Moreover, would you go to Tic Tac [misspelling intentional] to find your ideal presidential candidate? This idea was posed to me by a thirty-something guy whose job is— wait for it— social media. I think if you are young, this may look like the future, that is, choosing your […]
Who Can the President Pardon?
Who can a U.S. President pardon? Do you have this question, which is circulating among Americans? Let’s go to the Constitution for the answer. Be sure to read what powers the President has regarding pardons and reprieves. Article II, section 2, Clause 1 “The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy […]
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 […]
Election Challenges-What’s Next?
Are you trying to understand or make sense of all that is going on with the presidential election challenges? Me too. I’ve been listening, reading, and taking notes. I’ll jot down here some ‘knowns” and what possibilities could happen in the coming days. Please be advised that there will not be a new presidential election. […]
About the 25th Amendment…
When it comes to civics, we’re on it. Let’s brush up on the 25th Amendment since that is one of the “October surprises” that has everybody talking. Why the 25th Amendment? At the dawn of the 20th century and as the nation grew in population and prominence, the President’s responsibilities increased. The world became more […]
Simple Civics 101-The Executive Branch
Let’s do a basic civics review of the Presidency, which is the federal government’s Executive Branch. Qualifications: Must be at least 35 years old Natural born citizen of the United States Must be a resident of the United States for the past 14 years Term of Service: Four years Two-term limit Note: the Founding Fathers […]
