Public Square | The Civic Issues Shaping 2026: Your Voice, Our Community

Education. The economy. Technology. Civil discourse. These issues shape our daily lives and our shared future. In this Public Square, we reviewed recent poll results from our Civics for Life Community App, exchanged perspectives, and explored how respectful dialogue and civic participation can help shape the year ahead.

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

In the U.S. Congress, the federal government’s discretionary spending is divided into 12 annual appropriations bills. A separate appropriations subcommittee handles each bill and funds a major part of the government. Congress is supposed to pass all 12 each fiscal year before October 1. When they don’t, lawmakers usually pass a “continuing resolution” (CR) or…

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…