John Locke: The 17th Century Philosopher who Shaped American Thought

In her book America’s Philosopher: John Locke in American Intellectual Life, Claire Rydell Arcenas seeks to better understand and illuminate the crucial 17th century philosopher by showing how he influenced Americans at different historical moments. Widely known as the founding father of modern “liberal” thought, Locke pioneered the ideas of natural law, social contract, religious toleration, and the right to revolution that proved…

The Pros and Cons of Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting

Do open primaries and ranked choice voting have the potential to improve American elections, or will they create more problems than they solve? Kevin Meyer, former lieutenant governor of Alaska; Steve Goldstein, executive director of Save Democracy AZ; and Jaime Molera, former Arizona superintendent of public instruction, join the O’Connor Institute Civics for Life webcast to discuss the issue.

How To Become Civically Engaged

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

What is the difference between the CIA and FBI?

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are both intelligence and law enforcement agencies of the United States government, but they have different mandates, responsibilities, and areas of focus. What is the FBI? The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary intelligence and law enforcement agency of the United…

Do You Know A Civic Engagement Hero?

Do you know a shining example of civic engagement and volunteerism? We would love to know more.

What Does My Local Government Do?

Local government plays an integral role in the lives of citizens. It has a more significant impact on the daily lives of its citizens than the federal or state government by ensuring its citizens’ needs and interests are met, such as providing clean water and maintaining roads. Without local government, communities would be unable to…

Executive Branch Overview

Article II of the US Constitution establishes the executive branch led by the president of the United States. The executive branch comprises the vice president, cabinet, and other executive departments. Its job is to oversee and maintain government functions while carrying out laws passed by Congress. The president is elected to a four-year term. The…

Legislative Branch Overview

Article I of the US Constitution establishes the legislature as a bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch has the power to make laws, approve the budget, and oversee the actions of the executive branch through the power of oversight and impeachment. It also has the power to…

Role of a Mayor

The role of a mayor in a city varies depending on the specific city and its governing structure, but in general, a mayor is the chief executive of a local government. Some of the responsibilities of a mayor include: The specific duties of a mayor can vary depending on the city’s charter and the mayor’s…

How Elections in the United States Work

The United States has a long and storied history of democracy, and elections have been a critical part of that story. Today, elections in the United States are held at the federal, state, and local levels. Federal elections, held every four years, select the president and vice president. State elections, held every two years, elect…