How many times is the phrase “separation of church and state” mentioned in the U.S. Constitution? The answer, which would likely surprise most Americans, is zero. In fact, that phrase wasn’t used by the Supreme Court until the case Reynolds v. United States almost 100 years after the Constitution was signed. Still, that phrase is …
“Setting the agenda of attributes for an issue is the epitome of political power. Controlling the perspective of the political debate on any issue is the ultimate influence on political opinion.” (McCombs, 2014, p. 51) Those are the words of journalism scholar Maxwell McCombs in his book Setting the Agenda. His quote is a clear …
“This member of the Government was at first considered as the most harmless and helpless of all its organs. But it has proved that the power of declaring what the law is, ad libitum, by sapping and mining slyly and without alarm the foundations of the Constitution, can do what open force would not dare …
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” George Washington That quote, by George Washington, accurately reflects his view on a standing federal military. During Washington’s two terms as President, he put efforts into creating a federal military and navy. The succeeding President, John Adams, increased the efforts …
“If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” George Washington Those words of wisdom, from one of the greatest Americans who ever lived, expresses the true and fundamental value of free speech in a truly free society. Without it, liberty cannot survive. …
“We do not have a government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson For those seeking to determine the course of elections throughout history, this has been a critical fact to understand. As a democratic republic, the USA holds elections to determine its leaders. At risk of sounding repetitive, …
Read more “The 24th Amendment- The Final Guarantee for the Citizen’s Right to Vote”
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of liberty.” Thomas Jefferson Knowledge is one of the most powerful weapons in the world. A lack of knowledge can make a person a virtual slave, and false knowledge can poison the mind. There is a reason …
We live in turbulent times. If you watch or read the news, you see a nation of chaos and hate. Many people look at the past and see nothing but betrayed promises, racial injustices, and failures. And yet, every time I see an American flag, I feel a surge of pride. Why? Despite all …
