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Who Controls America? States or Federal Government? Please keep your comments to the principles of responsible civic engagement. No naming personalities or political parties. We do civics, not politics. No additional pictures or links, please. Have you noticed the protestors who believe the states ultimately control America? Are these people correct? Who controls America? It’s not a “who” but a “what,” as we are a nation of laws, not of elected officials’ desires. The U.S. Constitution and the duly elected officials governing under its authority control our government. See Article VI, clause 2. Historical Perspective Today’s protestors weren’t the first Americans to want the states to have sovereign freedom, independence, and power. In 1781, all thirteen states ratified the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation (our first attempt at a Constitution) allowed each of the 13 states to retain their sovereign freedom, independence, and power. While our country had an official name, “the United States of America,” the very loose Articles only affirmed a “friendship” among the 13 states, not a lasting unity. The tight grip was on the federal government. Does that sound good to you? Read on. Why the Articles of Confederation Didn’t Work The Articles of Confederation limited the federal government so much that it couldn’t do what Americans needed it to. Remember Shay’s Rebellion? The federal government was too weak where strength and control were required. This catalyzed Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and other Federalists to advocate for a stronger federal government under a Constitution. Other Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation -Each state had one vote, not a bicameral legislature representing the population of each state -No court system -No national treasury to pay for essentials -No president (The “President” was only the head of a committee). -Canada was invited to join the United States, so no votes were needed. Other territories needed votes to be admitted to the United States. Strengths of the U.S. Constitution If the Articles of Confederation couldn’t adequately govern thirteen states, imagine what that would look like now! The Constitution: -Fosters a lasting bond between the states -Guarantees a republican form of government (a Constitutional Republic) to each state (see Article IV, section 4) -The rule of law for adding any additional states (Article IV, section 3) -A court system (see Article III) -Appropriations for essentials (Article 1, sections 8 and 9, and Federalist 58) Conclusion Hopefully, this civics article clarifies why the federal government has more power than individual states in handling certain situations. It’s essential to remain educated on civic issues. Here are some additional resources for further study: https://shorturl.at/9P6Ch (simple, helpful video) https://civicsandcitizenship.org/framers-wisdom/ https://civicsandcitizenship.org/the-constitution-the-supreme-law-of-the-land/ Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/commonsensecivics Sign up to receive a weekly email of recent articles here: https://shorturl.at/qGImJ This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸

Who Controls America? States or Federal Government? Please keep your comments to the principles of responsible civic engagement. No naming personalities or political parties. We do civics, not politics. No additional pictures or links, please. Have you noticed the protestors who believe the states ultimately control America? Are these people correct? Who controls America? It’s not a “who” but a “what,” as we are a nation of laws, not of elected officials’ desires. The U.S. Constitution and the duly elected officials governing under its authority control our government. See Article VI, clause 2. Historical Perspective Today’s protestors weren’t the first Americans to want the states to have sovereign freedom, independence, and power. In 1781, all thirteen states ratified the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation (our first attempt at a Constitution) allowed each of the 13 states to retain their sovereign freedom, independence, and power. While our country had an official name, “the United States of America,” the very loose Articles only affirmed a “friendship” among the 13 states, not a lasting unity. The tight grip was on the federal government. Does that sound good to you? Read on. Why the Articles of Confederation Didn’t Work The Articles of Confederation limited the federal government so much that it couldn’t do what Americans needed it to. Remember Shay’s Rebellion? The federal government was too weak where strength and control were required. This catalyzed Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and other Federalists to advocate for a stronger federal government under a Constitution. Other Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation -Each state had one vote, not a bicameral legislature representing the population of each state -No court system -No national treasury to pay for essentials -No president (The “President” was only the head of a committee). -Canada was invited to join the United States, so no votes were needed. Other territories needed votes to be admitted to the United States. Strengths of the U.S. Constitution If the Articles of Confederation couldn’t adequately govern thirteen states, imagine what that would look like now! The Constitution: -Fosters a lasting bond between the states -Guarantees a republican form of government (a Constitutional Republic) to each state (see Article IV, section 4) -The rule of law for adding any additional states (Article IV, section 3) -A court system (see Article III) -Appropriations for essentials (Article 1, sections 8 and 9, and Federalist 58) Conclusion Hopefully, this civics article clarifies why the federal government has more power than individual states in handling certain situations. It’s essential to remain educated on civic issues. Here are some additional resources for further study: https://shorturl.at/9P6Ch (simple, helpful video) https://civicsandcitizenship.org/framers-wisdom/ https://civicsandcitizenship.org/the-constitution-the-supreme-law-of-the-land/ Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/commonsensecivics Sign up to receive a weekly email of recent articles here: https://shorturl.at/qGImJ This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸

Answering Your Civics Questions About the Congressional and Presidential Inauguration Processes The Significance of January 3: Swearing in the New Congress Why is the new Congress (119th Congress) sworn in on January 3? What is so special about that day? The Twentieth Amendment, clause 2, states: "The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3rd day of January unless they shall by law appoint a different day." The short answer is that the Constitution says the new Congress must assemble once every year beginning at noon on January 3, unless Congress, by constitutional amendment, changes the date. So, the new 119th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2025. The entire House of Representatives will be sworn in, as they are elected every two years. One-third of the recently elected Senate will also be sworn in on that day. Keep in mind, We the People run the government. Therefore, our constitutionally elected Congress should take their seats before the President is sworn in on January 20. The Significance of January 20, Inauguration Day Why don't we move up the date to swear in the next President? See the above answer. Here's an interesting fact: The original Inauguration Day was held on March 4 under the Articles of Confederation. The weather in Washington can be pretty dicey in winter, especially for horse and buggy travel. Plus, with no modern transportation or technologies, it took time for a new administration to prepare. In 1933, the Twentieth Amendment was ratified, setting January 20 as Inauguration Day. By the beginning of the twentieth century, automobiles and telephones were used in the White House (!) The Significance of the President-Elect's Role in a Transition Period At a holiday gathering, a relative asked me if a President-Elect could conduct official business between election day and inauguration day. The answer is no. The United States has only one President at a time. A President-Elect can lay out the vision for four years, give speeches, and discuss matters. Still, until the new Congress and the President-Elect are sworn in, only the current Congress and President can legally conduct official business. The Significance of Our Voice Our Constitution ensures the orderly transition of power. That's why we need to understand the law and framework that guide our nation. Additionally, it's interesting to follow along, as our voice remains paramount in our government. This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸 Note: Do not name political figures or their parties in the comments. Such comments lead to a negative argument that is not educational. No additional pictures or links, please. #civics #civicseducation #nopolitics

Answering Your Civics Questions About the Congressional and Presidential Inauguration Processes The Significance of January 3: Swearing in the New Congress Why is the new Congress (119th Congress) sworn in on January 3? What is so special about that day? The Twentieth Amendment, clause 2, states: "The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3rd day of January unless they shall by law appoint a different day." The short answer is that the Constitution says the new Congress must assemble once every year beginning at noon on January 3, unless Congress, by constitutional amendment, changes the date. So, the new 119th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2025. The entire House of Representatives will be sworn in, as they are elected every two years. One-third of the recently elected Senate will also be sworn in on that day. Keep in mind, We the People run the government. Therefore, our constitutionally elected Congress should take their seats before the President is sworn in on January 20. The Significance of January 20, Inauguration Day Why don't we move up the date to swear in the next President? See the above answer. Here's an interesting fact: The original Inauguration Day was held on March 4 under the Articles of Confederation. The weather in Washington can be pretty dicey in winter, especially for horse and buggy travel. Plus, with no modern transportation or technologies, it took time for a new administration to prepare. In 1933, the Twentieth Amendment was ratified, setting January 20 as Inauguration Day. By the beginning of the twentieth century, automobiles and telephones were used in the White House (!) The Significance of the President-Elect's Role in a Transition Period At a holiday gathering, a relative asked me if a President-Elect could conduct official business between election day and inauguration day. The answer is no. The United States has only one President at a time. A President-Elect can lay out the vision for four years, give speeches, and discuss matters. Still, until the new Congress and the President-Elect are sworn in, only the current Congress and President can legally conduct official business. The Significance of Our Voice Our Constitution ensures the orderly transition of power. That's why we need to understand the law and framework that guide our nation. Additionally, it's interesting to follow along, as our voice remains paramount in our government. This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸 Note: Do not name political figures or their parties in the comments. Such comments lead to a negative argument that is not educational. No additional pictures or links, please. #civics #civicseducation #nopolitics