Several of our participants have recently commented on the powers given to Congress in Article 1, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Do you remember what specific powers those are? We the People grant those powers to Congress, so we should familiarize ourselves with them. Congress has been given power only over the 17 specific […]
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 […]
Constitutional Debates: Crisis or Controversy?
What is the definition of a Constitutional Crisis or Martial Law? What is the job of the National Archivist? Class is in session as we examine claims made by a few participants in one of my recent posts. What is a “Constitutional Crisis?” No clear definition exists for a constitutional crisis, at least not in […]
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 […]
Senate Confirmation Hearings Teach Civics
There are civics lessons in Senate Confirmation hearings. Since we have hearings this week for Cabinet positions, this is an excellent opportunity to see how the confirmation process works. After all, these hearings are not only for the Senate but for We The People. You would be surprised at what you can learn in a […]
Constitution Be Changed By Passing a Law?
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 […]
Significance of Inauguration
The Significance of January 3: Swearing in the New Congress (Happy Holidays! Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, where I am answering a few of your questions today. Let’s get started). Why is the new Congress (119th Congress) sworn in on January 3? What is so special about that day? The Twentieth Amendment, […]
When Government Policies Override the Will of the People
What happens when government policies submerge the will of the People? For one, we lose freedom. Let’s explore this topic as it affects many nations, including ours. In free countries, the people’s will is supposed to guide government policies. However, when government policies override or, worse, ignore the will of the people, freedom is the […]
The Seventh and Eighth Amendments: Preserving Justice and Liberty
Have you considered the Seventh and Eighth Amendments as guardians of Justice and Liberty for We the People? The Seventh Amendment protects the right to a jury trial in (federal) civil cases. This was a big deal to the Anti-Federalists, so much so that James Madison had to construct this amendment and add it to […]
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 […]
Maximizing Your Tax Returns: A Common-Sense Approach
With all the tax talk going around this week, let’s look at some common-sense tax considerations. Are Tax Refunds Good? First, if you got a big refund, you just loaned the federal government your money for free. Far better to break even or owe a little. What??? That’s right. When your money is in your […]
Understanding the Electoral College: A Key Topic for 2024
The Electoral College is bound to be a huge topic in 2024. Some people are actively campaigning for the popular vote to be the final say in presidential elections. In short, these Americans want to do away with the constitutionally mandated Electoral College. The Electoral College just happened to be the lesson I taught this […]
Supreme Court Renders Opinion On the Fourteenth Amendment
The Supreme Court Renders Its Opinion on the Fourteenth Amendment, Sec. 3: The big winner is The U.S. Constitution, 9-0. What Does the Supreme Court’s Decision Say? “Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 (of the fourteenth amendment) against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the states.” The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court, […]
Interpreting the Constitution
When Judges interpret the Constitution by their preferences, we must ask: Is their preference what our Founders and Framers intended? Think about it: If today’s judges insert their preferences, they, in effect, change the law based on what they want it to say, not on what the law and the facts intend. Interpreting the Constitution […]
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 […]
