James Madison, the Father of our Constitution, once said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
The Informed Citizen, a civics blog of the NJSBF, tackles civics-related topics with the goal of arming all citizens with the knowledge of how the Founding Fathers created the nation and what every citizen’s rights are under the U.S. Constitution.
Posts are added to the blog periodically. All posts contain Discussion Questions and Glossary Words, providing a complete lesson plan. To suggest a civics-related topic for the blog, contact Jodi L. Miller at jmiller@njsbf.org.
For more on civics, check out the Civics Publications toggle on our Publications Page, download a copy of the Special Civics Edition of The Legal Eagle or order one of our civics-related publications, including the Bill of Rights Up Close or Beyond the Bill of Rights using our Publication Order Form.
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Amendments That Define the Presidency
by Jodi L. Miller The President of the United States has a big job, which is outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution. It makes sense that a few amendments would be needed over the years to...
Setting the Terms on Term Limits
by Jodi L. Miller No one likes the guest that stays too long at the party. But in terms of those that govern or adjudicate, how long is too long? The longest serving member of Congress was...
Does the U.S. Constitution Need a Re-Write?
by Jodi L. Miller As a rule, written constitutions don’t last that long. Legal experts estimate the lifespan of a constitution is less than 20 years. Indeed, the United States’ first foray into a...
First Amendment and the Pledge of Allegiance
by Jodi L. Miller To some, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a sacred ritual that demonstrates American patriotism. The Pledge has been at the heart of several court rulings, however, most...
Equal Justice Under Law—Is Everyone Included?
by Jodi L. Miller “Equal Justice Under Law.” Those are the words inscribed on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. The words are derived from the 14th Amendment to the...
U.S. Needs Presidential Norms to Have Faith in Democracy
by Jodi L. Miller Article II of the U.S. Constitution spells out the powers of a U.S. president. Traditionally, the president has also been limited to some degree by what are called democratic or...
Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave?
by Jodi L. Miller Every American is familiar with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Some may even be able to sing it or at least get through “O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light….” On March 3,...
Meaning of American Flag Different for Everyone
by Jodi L. Miller Known by many names—Stars & Stripes and Old Glory—the U.S. flag has become an iconic American symbol of patriotism. Some denounce its desecration while others see that act as...
Is the Exclusionary Rule Still Relevant?
by Jodi L. Miller If you’ve ever watched an episode of Law & Order, you know that the police need a search warrant to enter your home. What you may not know is that was not always the case. The...
Ignorance of the Law Is Not an Excuse
by Jodi L. Miller If you are unaware you are breaking a law, should you be held accountable? In general, the law says yes. The legal principle of ignorantia juris non excusat (ignorance of the law...
Rule of Law Applies to EVERYONE
by Jodi L. Miller In many countries around the world, citizens are subject to the arbitrary rulings of dictators or those in power. In the United States, even though it is never mentioned in the...
Practicing the Art of Diplomacy
by Jodi L. Miller In international relations, military might is all well and good, but sometimes a softer touch is needed—that’s where the art of diplomacy comes in. Benjamin Franklin is considered...