JOHN JAY FETZER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

For High School Seniors The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills and civics knowledge. Established in memory of our late Institute colleague, Jay was passionate about equal justice and equal opportunity for all. His compassion for others was borne out by the…

American Patriot, Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale, a young American schoolteacher turned patriot spy, remains a poignant symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and devotion to the cause of American independence. His short but impactful life unfolded during the early tumultuous years of the American Revolutionary War, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history and collective memory. Born on June 6,…

Ratification of the 19th Amendment

The United States Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920, marking an important turning point in American history. According to the amendment, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account…

Voting Rights Act of 1965

In a landmark piece of American legislation, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed to prohibit racial discrimination in voting, guaranteeing equal access to the ballot for all citizens. Enacted during the height of the civil rights movement, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill into law on August 6, 1965. The Act enforces…

Truman’s Executive Order 9981

Executive Order 9981, a groundbreaking rule aimed at eradicating racial discrimination and segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces, was issued by President Truman on July 26, 1948. During World War II, minorities, especially African Americans, served in segregated military forces. Despite their contributions to the war effort, they were subjected to prejudice and received unfair…

George Washington and the Residence Act of 1790

The Residence Act of 1790 was a significant piece of legislation signed into law by President George Washington on July 16, 1790. It established the permanent seat of the United States government and laid the groundwork for creating the District of Columbia. During the early years of the United States, the location of the national…

A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

By: Namosha Boykin and Kelechukwu Chidi Onyejekwe And we are so blessed in America that we’ve had Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, her leadership changed so many of our lives in this room, in this country, and around the world. -The Panel, Legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, AJEI Summit 2022 Justice Sandra Day O’Connor needs…

Civics for Life Quarterly, Issue 1

In today’s edition you’ll find an exclusive taped interview with Dr. Anthea Hartig, the first woman director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History; four questions on ranked-choice voting (RCV) with Kevin Meyer, lieutenant governor of Alaska 2018-2022 where RCV voting takes place; and an essay, “Why Civics, Why Now?” We hope you enjoy the Quarterly and subscribe.

Registering to Vote – Post

A list of links for each state, on how to register to vote

Compromises in the Creation of the U.S. Constitution

The United States Constitution was created through a series of compromises among the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The delegates, representing 12 of the 13 original states, met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been the governing document of the United States since the American Revolution. However, the delegates…