The Fiftieth Star: The Day Hawaii Became a State

On the morning of August 21, 1959, the sun rose over the Pacific as it always had, casting light on the beaches, volcanoes, and green mountains of Hawaii. But that day, the people of the islands awoke as something new, citizens of the United States living in the nation’s fiftieth state. The news came in…

“Proclaim Liberty”: The First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

In July 1776, the streets of Philadelphia were thick with humidity—and tension. Despite the colonies having been at war with Great Britain for over a year, many found the idea of full independence daunting. The American Revolution had begun with pleas for redress and recognition, not with a clear call to sever ties from the…

Civics 101 Quiz

Take this short quiz and test your civics knowledge!

The House of Representatives and the Power of the Purse

So why does the House of Representatives get the first say regarding federal spending? It goes back to the Constitution. Article I, Section 7 clearly states, “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.” This provision is known as the “power of the purse,” and it’s one of the essential tools…

The 12 Appropriations Bills

Citizens Guide to the Federal Budget

Our free online resource answers questions to help Americans understand how the federal budget is created.

Federal Budget – At a Glance

The federal budget process is a structured sequence through which the U.S. government plans its annual spending and revenue collection. This process involves multiple steps and key players, including the president, Congress, and various federal agencies. Five Major Steps of the Federal Budget Understanding this process is crucial for citizens who wish to engage with…

Federal Budget Glossary

Navigating the complexities of the federal budget can be challenging, especially with the specialized terminology used in discussions and documents. To assist in demystifying these terms, Civics for Life offers a comprehensive Federal Budget Glossary. This resource is designed to provide clear and concise definitions of key budget-related terms, making the intricacies of federal budgeting…

Balancing Power: The U.S. Checks and Balances System

The United States’ system of checks and balances is a cornerstone of its constitutional democracy, designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and shaped by thinkers like Montesquieu, this system was carefully crafted by the Founding Fathers to protect individual freedoms and maintain a fair distribution…

Elizabeth Blackwell: A Trailblazer Who Defied the Odds

Imagine being the only woman in a room full of men, all of whom believe you don’t belong there. Now, imagine that room is a medical school classroom, and the year is 1847. This was Elizabeth Blackwell’s reality when she became the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Her story…