Antonia Novello: First Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States

Antonia Coello Novello was born on August 23, 1944, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, a coastal town where the Caribbean Sea met a landscape of fishing villages and sugarcane fields. Her father died when she was young, and she was raised primarily by her mother, who worked as a schoolteacher. From an early age, Antonia’s life…

Sonia Sotomayor: First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice

Sonia Maria Sotomayor was born on June 25, 1954, in the Bronx, New York, to Juan and Celina Sotomayor. Her parents had moved from Puerto Rico to New York during the years following World War II, joining thousands who sought better economic opportunities. Her father worked in a factory, and her mother was a nurse.…

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…

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…