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 Significance of Constitutional Congressional and Presidential Inauguration Processes
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 […]
