Category: Learn

The Constitution requires that the number of members each state sends to the U.S. House of Representatives be based its share of the nation’s population. Article I Section 2 of the Constitution further specifies that the number of seats in the House (as set by the Congress) are to be distributed proportionally among the states on the basis of a census… Continue reading What is the Purpose of the Census? What the Data is Used For

In 1974, the Federal Election Campaign Act was signed into law. Among other things, the Act limited the amounts of money individuals, political action committees (PACs) and political parties could give to candidates in federal, i.e. House, Senate and presidential, elections. Under the FEC Act, money given directly to candidates for federal elective office is… Continue reading What is Soft Money? It’s Role in Campaign Finance

Public policies are most often established by legislation, but they can also be created by an executive order, a bureaucratic regulation, a city ordinance or even a court decision. Public policies are generally aimed at one or more of the following: Reconciling conflicting claims for scarce resources Encouraging or fostering cooperation that would probably not… Continue reading What is Public Policy? It’s Critical Role in Government

Teaching history with technology is a great way to help students learn history in an exciting, dynamic and collaborative manner. History educators have long known the benefits of teaching with technology, but these benefits have become even more critical in recent years. The Use of Technology in Teaching History Technology has become a large part… Continue reading Teaching History with Technology

Remember when your high school history teacher assigned a research project and refused to allow Wikipedia as a reliable source? That teacher did so for good reason. We tend to go to Wikipedia for a wealth of information; it is often the first result of a Google search. However, the question remains – is Wikipedia… Continue reading Is Wikipedia a good place to learn history?

From time to time I hear that President Bush has issued an Executive Order establishing this policy or that. What is an Executive Order? Where does the President get the authority to issue them? Is there any way to reverse an Executive Order? “Stroke of the pen. Law of the Land. Kinda cool.”Paul Begala, former… Continue reading What is an Executive Order?

No, this is not an esoteric debate-starter for a high school civics class. It’s a question that holds actionable relevance for all Americans. The implications of this question stretch from academia to how, and by whom, laws are made. Anyone who lives under the law of the land is impacted by this question. So, is… Continue reading Is the United States a Democracy or a Republic?