My recent articles have generated an interesting question. As an example, see https://civicsandcitizenship.org/who-controls-america-states-or-federal-government. History buffs want me to include former times to show where and how they believe our country deviated or went off the rails in their opinion. They strongly desire me to shed the light they have on the issues. Why would I […]
Understanding Checks and Balances on SCOTUS
One of our participants recently asked me a question regarding checks and balances that had me thinking for the past 24 hours. The reader is wondering what clear checks and balances exist for the Supreme Court, “since its rulings are truly far-reaching and highly impactful.” Presidential Check on SCOTUS When we think of checks and […]
Moral Principles in the U.S. Constitution
The Importance of Morality in Governance Morality, defined as the practice of doing what is right, is essential for a free and self-governing society. I contend that we must legislate morality in our country because a society without common moral principles risks being ruled by tyrants. Our Founding Fathers understood this necessity. Rather than devolving […]
Founders’ Values: A Surprising Legacy
What the Founders believed may surprise you. Contrary to common teachings today, very few deists existed in the 18th century. Therefore, deists were outnumbered. Judeo-Christian Morality: A Shared Foundation The Framers had a common belief in Judeo-Christian moral values (not religious doctrine) that are still widely held today. You know the ones- don’t cheat, steal, […]
Framers’ Wisdom: Crafting America’s Constitution
How did our Constitution come into being? Did our Framers mosey into an English-style Pub, order an adult beverage, and begin kicking some ideas around the table? Who inspired them? Today, social media has key influencers. Although our Framers of the Constitution did not have the internet, they had “influencers” whose ideas stood the test […]
Understanding Congress’s Powers: A Civic Duty
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 […]
Can Passing a Law Change the Constitution?
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 […]
