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…

Sally Ride: Pioneering Astronaut and Champion for Women in STEM

Dr. Sally Ride holds an indelible place in history as the first American woman to travel to space, breaking barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her remarkable career as a physicist, astronaut, and educator not only redefined gender norms but also propelled advancements in space exploration and STEM education. She remains a symbol…

Jeanette Rankin: The First Woman in Congress

Jeanette Rankin was not just the first woman elected to the United States Congress—she was a woman of deep conviction, a leader who stood firm in her beliefs, even when they made her unpopular. Throughout her life, she fought for women’s rights, social justice, and peace, refusing to back down from the causes she believed…

Wilma Mankiller: A Life of Leadership

Wilma Mankiller’s name carries weight far beyond the Cherokee Nation. She was not just a leader—she was a force that reshaped the relationship between Native American communities and the U.S. government. As the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, her leadership in the 1980s and 1990s marked a period of…