Entries by Cathy Gillespie

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Essay 10: On Judicial Power in the United States and Its Action on Political Society – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 6 of Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville

Alexis De Tocqueville entitles Volume One, Part One, Chapter 6 of Democracy in America “On Judicial Power in the United States and Its Action on Political Society.”

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Essay 9: Necessity of Studying What Takes Place in the Particular States before Speaking of the Government of the Union – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 5 Subchapter 12 of Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville

“What I admire most in America are not the administrative effects of decentralization, but its political effects” (Alexis De Tocqueville, Democracy in America).

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Essay 8: Necessity of Studying What Takes Place in the Particular States before Speaking of the Government of the Union – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 5 Subchapters 9 to 11 of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

The core of America’s federal system of government is viable state governments. America is called “the United States” to institutionalize the importance of distributed and diverse state governance as a balance to centralized power.

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Essay 6: Necessity of Studying What Takes Place in the Particular States before Speaking of the Government of the Union – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 5 Subchapters 1 to 5 of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

De Tocqueville’s study of townships in America is justly famous. He allows Americans to have pride in where they come from and in their history. He champions the idea of local civic participation and shows how it is a core element of American prosperity.

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Essay 7: Necessity of Studying What Takes Place in the Particular States before Speaking of the Government of the Union – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 5 Subchapters 6 to 8 of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Anyone who has worked as a reporter for newspapers — from small town weeklies to big city dailies — can tell you that few things are more boring than the civic affairs of a tiny New England township.

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Essay 5: On The Principle Of The Sovereignty Of The People In America – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 4 of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville’s seminal work, Democracy in America, offers a profound examination of the American political system, with particular emphasis on the principle of the sovereignty of the people.
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Essay 4: Social State Of The Anglo-Americans – Volume 1 Part 1 Chapter 3 of Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville long has had the deserved reputation of an insightful early observer of the United States and its people. His discussion of the social  condition of Americans and its influence on their personal and political character is  a case in point.

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Essay 3: On The Point of Departure and Its Importance for the Future of the Anglo- Americans – Volume 1, Part 1, Chapter 2 of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville was a French traveler who produced one of the most  discerning observations about American democracy ever written.

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Essay 2: External Configuration Of Northern America – Volume 1, Part 1, Chapter 1 of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

In 1831, Alexis De Tocqueville came to America, sent by France to investigate the United States of America’s prison system. Alexis does that and much more in his incredible, sprawling book that provides his impressions of democracy in North America.

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Mr. James Ingram

Mr. James Ingram was Constituting America Founder, actress Janine Turner’s, beloved 5th grade teacher, who instilled in Janine a love of our founding fathers, through the 5th grade’s production of 1776. Mr. Ingram was honored as Constituting America’s Constitutional Champion in 2011 and was a beloved and active member of our Education Advisory  board. Mr. […]

Maureen Quinn

In loving memory of our dear friend, Anne Maureen Quinn. Maureen entered this life on September 25, 1956 and passed away December 14, 2022. Maureen was a bright light who shone in all of our lives. We were blessed to have Maureen’s beautiful voice narrate many of our 90 Day Studies. She also submitted our […]

First Principles of the American Founding (Web)

Essay #1 – INTRODUCTION Introduction: First Principles of the American Founding by Adam M. Carrington, Associate Professor of Politics, Hillsdale College; Author, Justice Stephen Field’s Cooperative Constitution of Liberty: Liberty in Full. ~*~ Essay #2 – Principle of government exists to secure liberty of the people rather than government existing to benefit itself. “We ought […]

Ken Nahigian

Ken has spent more than two decades working at the highest levels of national policy and communications. He serves as the policy translator for the firm’s communications strategies to ensure that complex issues in areas such as healthcare, transportation, technology, homeland security, and many others, are understandable and actionable for clients’ intended audience(s). Prior to […]

Keith Nahigian

In 2000, Keith realized his vision for a multidimensional communications strategy firm that not only focused on the public relations needs for clients but also designed growth strategies for companies and organizations ranging from small start-up businesses and nonprofits to multinational corporations. Keith believes that every organization has a story to tell. When the story […]

Wil Gravatt

From a very early age, music was an integral part of Wil Gravatt’s life. Wil’s mother worked for the legendary Capitol Records; and he was exposed to the sounds of the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Buck Owens, and Waylon Jennings to name a few. His first love was the drums; teaching himself to play and forming […]

Peter Roff

Peter Roff is a longtime Washington, D.C. writer and commentator whose work has appeared in U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and other publications. He appears frequently on radio and television and holds fellowships with several public policy organizations. He can be reached by email at RoffColumns@GMAIL.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeterRoff. At one time […]

Steve Dean

Nashville songwriter Steve Dean has co-written six number one hits, including the most played song on country radio in 2007, “Watching You” for Rodney Atkins, the Grammy nominated “It Takes A little Rain” for The Oak Ridge Boys, “Southern Star” for Alabama, “Round About Way” for George Strait, “Walk On” for Reba McEntire and “Heart’s […]

Mark Rodgers

Mark Rodgers is the Principal of The Clapham Group, a company that seeks to influence culture upstream of the political arena. Mark served as the third-ranking Republican leadership staffer in the U.S. Senate for six years overseeing strategic planning and strategic communications. He also served as a high profile chief of staff to Senator Rick […]

Gail MacKinnon

Gail MacKinnon joined the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in November 2017 and is the current Senior Executive Vice President for Global Policy & Government Affairs. A skilled senior executive with experience in public policy advocacy, issues management, and strategy development, Gail oversees the MPA’s government relations portfolio and policy agenda, as well as its international […]

Moses Uvere

Born and raised in Dallas Texas, Moses Uvere was the first born to Patience and Gabriel Uvere, immigrants who came to America to seek “the American Dream.” Being brought up by parents from a different country, Moses witnessed firsthand what “the American Dream” was all about and the struggle to achieve a better life. Living […]

Shane Tews

Shane Tews is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on cybersecurity issues, including privacy and data protection, next-generation networking (5G), the Internet of Things, international internet governance, digital economic policy, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens, and emerging technologies. She is also […]

Giovanni Adu-Gyamfi

My name is Giovanni Adu-Gyamfi. I am 19 years old, and I am a freshman at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where I am majoring in public health. I spent most of my childhood in Old Bridge, New Jersey, but I currently live in Parlin, New Jersey. From a young age, I was fascinated […]

Dawson Rhoades & Stella Mayes

Dawson Rhoades, 12, is a 6th Grader at Grapevine Faith Christian School and resides in Texas with his parents and his older brother. Dawson’s hobbies include playing tennis, pickleball, golf, water skiing, acting, and performing on the piano. In his free time Dawson can be found adding music to his “favorites” playlist, which includes songs […]

Louis Akkermans & Casey Chapter, Winners – Best Short Film

Louis Akkermans Louis Akkermans is 21 years old and beginning his MA in Public Interest Media and Communication.  Interested in filmmaking, he hopes to find a path that would allow him to write for the screen, though video production as a whole is a passion of his and one he could inhabit in any facet. […]

Maya Robinson, Winner: Best High School STEM

Maya Robinson is a senior at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts. She loves exploring interesting mathematical concepts and is developing a budding interest in coding. She has attended the Ross Mathematics Program and PROMYS over the past two summers, and she is hoping to continue deepening her understanding and appreciation of number theory this summer. […]

Noe Flores, Winner – Middle School STEM

My name is Noe Flores. I am a 6th grade honors student and live in Fort Worth, Texas.  I enjoy learning and reading and was the runner up for my school Spelling Bee in 3rd grade. I am currently in band and play percussion. My favorite subject in school is science because it’s interesting and […]

Shaynlin Smith – Winner, Best Short Film

Shaynlin is a 17-year-old senior from Drexel, Missouri. She is the founding chairman and current chairman of the Young Americans for Freedom Chapter at Drexel High School. Shayn is also the president of NHS, FBLA, FCCLA, and Student Council at Drexel High. Throughout high school, she was involved in football, basketball, basketball cheerleading, track and […]

Monique Gorman and Heather Lauden – Winner, Best Constitution Lesson Plan

As educators, we understand that not all children think, process, or learn alike. Therefore, at Grapevine Faith we have the unique opportunity to offer STEAM to our students. We are passionate about teaching students that scientific principles and artistic expression work together with such incredible harmony to reach all types of learners. The genius, Leonardo […]

Carson Collins – Winner, Best Essay On Film

Carson is a 15-year-old homeschooled freshman from Austin, Texas. He is a nationally competitive rower, racing in regattas across the country. As well as being a successful rower, he is also an assistant coach teaching introductory courses for teens and adults. When he is not studying, Carson enjoys reading, writing, and documentary filmmaking. Last year, […]

Ella Dumas

My name is Ella Dumas. I am in the 6th grade at Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas. I love music and play the piano for our school Chapel Band. I love trying new sports and playing all types of games. This past year at Faith, I was on the basketball team and swim […]

Ava Watts – Winner, Best PSA

Ava Watts is 12 years old and in sixth grade at Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas.  Making the PSA for the “We The Future” contest came naturally because she loves performing in front of a camera as well as on stage as a competitive dancer.  Ava has been dancing since the age of […]

Emily Tan – Winner, Best STEM

My name is Emily Tan – I am a 7th grader at South Forsyth Middle School in Cumming, GA. Social Studies and History has always interested me, and this STEM project was a new experience, as this was the first complete website I have created. Soon after, I started creating more websites on different topics. […]

Nicholas Heiniger

Nicholas Heiniger was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. Currently, he is attending the University of Georgia where he is majoring in international affairs. From a young age, he has shown interest in world languages and cultures by taking Spanish and Latin language classes in high school and studying Russian through the National Scholarship Language […]

Adam Zheng

  Adam Zheng  Adam Zheng is a 16-year old senior at Williamsville North High School, currently living in Western New York. His love for filmmaking began during the onset of the pandemic, and he has since spent hundreds of hours mastering its art. He enjoys creating films to educate, to raise awareness, and to document […]

Coralyn and Jake Cairns

Jake R. Cairns Jake is a 17-year-old from Evans, Georgia who attends Evans High School as a Junior. He has played lacrosse for four years and is currently the varsity goalie for the Evans Knights! Jake’s hobbies are doing anything outdoors and music. He enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, boating, hunting and exploring all over the […]

Benjamin Moak – Winner, Best Poem

Benjamin Moak, age 7, is from Parachute, Colorado. He is an avid video game player, four wheeler rider and loves shark week! His big sister Halley was our inaugural poem winner in 2010, so apparently his talent runs in the family! Click here to read Benjamin’s winning poem! Our Interview With Benjamin Was this the […]

Rachel Xu

Rachel Xu is a sophomore in the International Baccalaureate program at Eastside High School. She is involved with the Student Government Association as the acting vice president representing 10th grade, participates in varsity Girls’ Weightlifting team, having won in district and regionals, serves on the PALS Leadership Council, and is actively involved in Mu Alpha […]

Brutus XVI

Source: Ashbrook Center – Teaching American History When great and extraordinary powers are vested in any man, or body of men, which in their exercise, may operate to the oppression of the people, it is of high importance that powerful checks should be formed to prevent the abuse of it. Perhaps no restraints are more […]

Stanley Doyle Agee

Constituting America thanks: Janice Gauntt Barbara Edstrom Cathy Gillespie For your generous donations in Mr. Agee’s name.   Mr. Agee was Constituting America Founder Janine Turner’s uncle and board member Janice Gauntt’s brother. “Stan was known for his robust, positive spirit. He was an avid reader, intellectually curious, and a dedicated hard worker. He was […]

Betty Sue Hay

Constituting America thanks: Don Hay Mary Jeanne Cooke Cher McCoy Mark & Carolyn Clapp Janet Barton Chris Burns Linda Gillespie Jane Lukes Sharla Metze Davenport Dorothy & Rod Dickson-Rishel LaRawn Scaife Rhea Zelda Shute Sharyn Taets Cathy Tripodi For your generous donations in Mrs. Hay’s name. Betty Hay was Constituting America President Cathy Gillespie’s mother. […]

SFC Alex J. Hytowitz

March 23, 1979, 1941 – July 24, 2021 Constituting America thanks Bill Kohnke and Nancy Quinn for their generous donation in memory of  SFC Alex J. Hytowitz. Alex served his country for over 20 years as member of the U.S. Army Reserve and a member of the Georgia Army National Guard. He was deployed in […]

Susan Duncan Wise

September 16, 1941 – April 27, 2021 Constituting America thanks Geyer Dybesland for her generous donation in her mother’s memory.  Mrs. Wise attended Constituting America’s Hamilton/Jefferson debate with her grandchildren and bought many copies of Our Constitution Rocks to distribute to her friends’ grandchildren! She was an active member of the Lady Washington Chapter of […]

Barbara Jean Polk

December 19, 1938 – February 4, 2021 Constituting America thanks our board member Mrs. Janice Gauntt and friend Jan Wallace for their generous donation in Mrs. Polk’s memory.  Mrs. Polk was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of Constituting America and a respected Texas real estate broker. Click Here to view Mrs. Polk’s Obituary and learn more […]

Brutus II

Source: Consource. Click Here to view the original document. To the CITIZENS of the STATE of NEW-YORK. I flatter myself that my last address established this position, that to reduce the Thirteen States into one goverment, would prove the destruction of your liberties. But lest this truth should be doubted by some, I will now […]

An Old Whig V

Source: Teaching American History  MR. PRINTER, In order that people may be sufficiently impressed, with the necessity of establishing a BILL OF RIGHTS in the forming of a new constitution, it is very proper to take a short view of some of those liberties, which it is of the greatest importance for Freemen to retain […]

Brutus III

Source: Consource. Click Here To View Original Document. To the CITIZENS of the STATE of NEW-YORK. In the investigation of the constitution, under your consideration, great care should be taken, that you do not form your opinions respecting it, from unimportant provisions, or fallacious appearances. On a careful examination, you will find, that many of […]

Cato V (November 22, 1787)

To the CITIZENS of the State of NEW-YORK. In my last number I endeavored to prove that the language of the article relative to the establishment of the executive of this new government was vague and inexplicit, that the great powers of the President, connected with his duration in office would lead to oppression and […]

An Old Whig IV (October 27, 1787)

Mr. PRINTER, This is certainly very important crisis to the people of America; experience seems to have convinced everyone, that the articles of confederation, under which Congress have hitherto attempted to regulate the affairs of the United States, are insufficient for the purposes intended; that we are a ruined people unless some alteration can be […]

Centinel I

SOURCE: HERBERT J. STORING, ED., THE COMPLETE ANTI-FEDERALIST, VOL. 2, 136-143. To the Freemen of Pennsylvania Friends, Countrymen and Fellow Citizens, Permit one of yourselves to put you in mind of certain liberties and privileges secured to you by the constitution of this commonwealth, and to beg your serious attention to his uninterested opinion upon the […]

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Declaration of Independence: Purpose for Government, and Founding It on Principles

According to the logic of the argument, then, the “consent” of the governed cannot mean simply the assent of the governed. Consent can only mean assent to a government that really does secure the rights human beings have by nature, thanks to their Creator, before they form the government. Once they no longer consent to their government because it no longer serves the “end” or purpose a government ought to have, not only do we have the right to alter or abolish it, we also have the right, even the obligation, to frame a new government, one that does secure the rights the old government failed to secure.

Barbara Bowie Whitman

Dr. Barbara Bowie-Whitman is an economist and a retired Foreign Service Officer. She was educated at the College of William and Mary and Southern Methodist University and earned her doctorate in economics from the George Washington University. Dr Bowie-Whitman was a Fulbright Scholar to Guatemala following the completion of her first master’s degree. She served […]

Who Gives You Your Rights? Read Below For The Answer!

The importance of the Declaration of Independence can hardly be overstated. It established for the first time in world history a new nation based on the First Principles of the rule of law, unalienable rights, limited government, the Social Compact, equality, and the right to alter or abolish oppressive government.

Contrary to the beliefs of some, the American Revolution was not fought for lower taxes or to protect slavery. In fact, the tea tax which provoked the Boston Tea Party actually lowered the price of tea, and many of the Founding Fathers were opposed to slavery.

Religious texts aside, the Declaration of Independence may be the most important document in human history. It totally upended the prevailing orthodoxy about government and has led to momentous changes across time and the world. Certainly we have fallen short, over and over again, of its ideals. But without the First Principles of the Declaration of Independence, we would live in the total darkness of oppression as mankind had for a millennia before.

Sponsor A “We The Future” Contest Winner!

May I share with you why, in spite of all the challenges our nation faces, I am hopeful, even optimistic for its future? I’m optimistic because of students like Courtney, a 17-year-old in Texas, who used her talents as a singer and lyricist to write and produce an original music video to teach Constitutional principles […]

Jacob Mott

Constituting America is pleased to award Jacob Mott with a “Best Essay On Film Award”! Jacob L. Mott is an 18 year old from Chester, New York, who attends Chester Academy as a senior. He’s interned for NY State Senator James Skoufis, Defense Attorney Benjamin Ostrer, and the Orange County (NY) Sheriff’s Office. He also […]

Yashica Nabar

“Best Drama” In Constituting America’s “We The Future” Short Film Category My name is Yashica Nabar, 16, and I’m in 11th grade attending the Law Academy at Creekview High School. I still have memories of when I was seven years old and would run around my house, creating small films to show my family and […]

Wyatt Hensley, Jonah Hensley & Halley Moak

Best Cinematic Ensemble, High School Short Film Category This is the second time this trio has created and won a division of Constituting America!  Wyatt Hensley is 16 and a sophomore from Joplin MO.  He is active in the FFA, student council, t.v. productions, as well as DECA and FBLA.  He also is an Eagle […]

Lindsey Larkin

Hello! My name is Lindsey Larkin. I am a life-long homeschooler and graduate of the Classical Conversations Challenge program (May 2021). I have a great love of history and the American Constitution and I hope to continue sharing the importance of the American founding with others. I enjoy public speaking and have emceed at both […]

Gerald Huesken – Honorable Mention, Teacher Lesson Plan

Gerald Huesken is a Social Studies teacher, focused on World History and Government & Economics, at Elizabethtown Area High School in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Mr Huesken has been teaching at Etown for the better part of a decade. At the high school, he serves not only as a teacher, […]

Samir T. Patel – Best Graduate School Speech Winner

Samir is currently an MBA student at Emory University in Atlanta. He’s an Army veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a cavalry officer; he still serves in the Army Reserves.  He has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and real estate.  He graduated from West Point with a degree in Economics and Arabic language. Click […]

Melanie McNair – Best Middle School STEM Winner

My name is Melanie and I’m in the 8th grade. I enjoy creative STEM projects, coding and watching movies. I am the student council Vice-President at my school. In 2018 and 2019, I won grants from the City of Las Vegas Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program (YNAPP) which rewards grants to youth who want to make […]

David Edelman – Best Teacher Lesson Plan

David Edelman has been a Social Studies teacher and Peer Instructional Coach in NYC Public Schools for over a decade. David provides instructional coaching, mentoring and professional learning to colleagues, in addition to teaching Government & Economics classes. His classroom serves as a learning lab and demonstration classroom to foster inter and intra school collaboration. […]

Lawson E. Barclay

Lawson is a retired Air Force pilot (26 years, served in Viet Nam), retired airline pilot (flew domestic and international routes), retired farmer, and retired Track/Cross Country coach. He and his wife have 3 children—one daughter with 3 grandchildren, two sons (both served in the Army, one still in the Army Reserve with deployments to […]

Aubrey Jackman

Aubrey Jackman was born and raised in Tooele, Utah. Growing up, she loved being the middle of seven children in her family. After High School, Aubrey served an 18-month volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Seattle, Washington area. Aubrey enjoys spending her free time playing sports, such as […]

Magda Smith

Magda Smith is a sophomore at Cornell University. She is interested in creating positive change through policy and promoting nuance, empathy, and open-mindedness in political discussions. In her free time, she loves to read and go on walks. Magda’s essays, songs, and poems have won several national and international awards including a Merit Award from […]

Emmalisa Horlacher & Corbin Jones

Emmalisa Horlacher, 23, Best College Song Winner, grew up in Utah but spent recent years living in Virginia where she got to tour the Museum of National History displaying the Constitution as well as visit multiple Civil War sites. She is currently attending BYU and is in the process of applying for the Media Arts […]

Gianna Voce

Gianna Voce is a 15-year-old homeschool student from Northern Virginia. She has been interested in  STEM from an early age, teaching herself Python before starting a Girls Who Code club for homeschooled students. She is currently exploring an interest in programming, cybersecurity, and website design. She plans to graduate early and hopes to pursue a […]

Courtney Janecka

Courtney is a very active 17-year-old junior at Midway High School in Waco, Texas. She is a member of the National Honor Society, founder and president of her school’s Trivia Club, and serves as an officer in the Spanish Club. Courtney’s Business Professionals of America Start-up Enterprise team has advanced to nationals and placed in […]

Lily Cring, Winner: Best PSA

  Lily Cring is a 17-year-old senior at Western High School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is President of the Theatre and Drama Club, President of her Chorus, and a National Speech & Debate competitor. She has a passion for contributing to her community, and in her free time is an intern for a non-profit that organizes […]

Lily Cring, Winner: Best PSA

Lily Cring is 16 years old and a Junior at Western High School in Ft. Lauderdale. She is on the Executive Board for her theatre and drama department as well as a National Speech & Debate competitor. She has a passion for contributing to her community and In her free time, is an intern for […]

Joaddan Villard

Joaddan Villard is a junior at Laurel High School. She originally began editing in 4th grade with the oh so famous “Movie Maker.” Now 17, she enjoys editing in her free time. Never passing up an opportunity to try something new, many things have helped her reach where she is today. Joaddan has participated in […]

Margaret Alvine – Winner, Best College Speech

Margaret Alvine is a 19-year-old Freshman at John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, majoring in Communications Media with an emphasis in Graphic Design. A proud alum of the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association, Margaret enjoys public speaking and performing. Last year, her speech Historical Amnesia, on the importance of learning from […]

Margaret Alvine

Margaret Alvine is an 18-year-old homeschooled high school Senior. She has been homeschooled all her life, along with her six younger siblings. She currently lives in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Her interest in the Constitution grew through her sophomore AP US Government class, which she really enjoyed. She also enjoys reading the speeches […]

Simran Gupta

My name is Simran and I am an 8th grade student at Lakeside Middle. I enjoy reading, running, baking and playing clarinet not necessarily in that order. Some of my accomplishments are receiving STEM award in Vex Robotics Competition in 5th grade, making to County Honor Band in the 6th grade and the District Honor […]

Kristine Le – Winner, Best Poem

Hello, my name is Kristine Le, and I am a 5th grader from California! Right now, I am 10 years old, but for too long because it is almost my birthday. I really like reading fiction novels and drawing art in my free time. I consider myself a bookworm because I love reading books. In the summer, […]

Haven Downham – Winner, Best Artwork

Hello, my name is Haven I am 10 years old in the 4th grade, and I live in Oklahoma . I am young equestrian, I ride Saddleseat with my horse named Lily. I am also learning Hunt and when I get older I will learn Hunter jumper, ( if my mom will think about it […]

Advika Gunturu – Winner, Conrad Ainslie Bauman Award for Best Artwork

Advika is a 4th Grader in Texas. She loves to draw,  swim, sing and ride her bike. Advika likes to tinker around in the kitchen and makes curious snacks by mixing strange ingredients we wouldn’t normally use together. She likes trying different cuisines and make an inter- continental experimental fusion which are tried out on us. […]

Mary Crosby

Mary Crosby, Best Middle School Song Winner from Washington State Mary Crosby was born in Mount Vernon, Washington in 2007. She is the 5th of six Crosby children and is homeschooled. She has always enjoyed playing music and started violin at the age of six. At seven, Mary added piano and has since taught herself […]

Elise Esparza

Elise Esparza, Winner, Best Poem Elise Esparza is a 10 year old fifth grader from Reagan Elementary in Cedar Park, Texas. She loves to write, draw, dance, swim, and ride her bike. Elise’s love for writing was passed down from her late grandmother, Nam Kỳ Cô Nương, who was a prolific Vietnamese poet. Though Elise […]

Elhaam Atiq – Winner, Conrad Ainslie Bauman Award for Best Artwork

Elhaam Atiq, 10, is a proud Texan who lives in Richmond, TX. She is the second child to her parents and has 2 sisters.  Her winning artwork depicts the diversity we see in America today and how this is a strength that adds to our country’s greatness. Elhaam is a member of her school’s National Elementary […]

Mollie McCreary

Our beloved Auction Coordinator Mollie McCreary has passed away, or transitioned, as she liked to say. Mollie worked for Constituting America from 2014  to just a few weeks before she passed. Mollie was a dear friend to us all at Constituting America, and to our wonderful donors who make our Constitution Education programs possible. Mollie […]

Horace Cooper

Horace Cooper is a senior fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research, co-chairman of the Project 21 National Advisory Board and a legal commentator. Horace averages over 400 talk radio appearances per year representing the National Center and Project 21, in addition to regular television appearances and interviews by the print media. He […]

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December 2, 1823: The Monroe Doctrine for United States Foreign Policy is Issued

The Monroe Doctrine remains one of the most influential foreign policy statements in United States history. The principles it espoused were largely consistent with the foreign affairs doctrine of non-interventionism in European affairs that were followed by the first U.S. presidents. Even by the twenty-first century, at times when U.S. geopolitical strategies were drastically different from those of the early nineteenth century, some foreign policy makers still invoked the Monroe Doctrine when prioritizing the spread of democracy and the well-being of the Western Hemisphere over other parts of the world. One of the key reasons for its longevity and success was because it established a foreign policy rooted in a combination of realism and idealism.

The Constitution Song Lyrics

A new country needs rules they say To govern and protect the people So our founders back in 1787 Created the rules that affect us today   The Constitution explains how our government works Each part with a specific role Three branches to check and balance each other, with Legislative, Judicial, Executive   Our Constitution […]

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Ellen Francis

Ellen Francis is a sophomore in the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University, where she is pursuing a degree in Classics with minors in History and Philosophy. Ellen is originally from Tennessee, but is enjoying life in suburban Philadelphia. She enjoys reading, swing dancing, discussing theology with her friends, and drinking sweet tea. After graduation, […]

Dr. Robert Brescia

Dr. Robert Brescia currently serves as a Board Director (Past Chairman) at Basin PBS television, the American Red Cross of the Permian Basin (Past Chairman), the Southwest Heritage Credit Union, and the Salvation Army of Odessa. His experience includes top leadership roles in education, corporate business, non-profit, and defense sectors. He is a sought-after speaker […]

Nathan Copeland Best High School Stem

Nathan Copeland is a 14-year-old from San Antonio, Texas. He attends STEM Academy at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School, where he enjoys entering STEM-related competitions, leading to him going to State Science Fair, placing 2nd overall in SA SMART City Challenge, and winning CivTech SA. He is also interested in the technological sector, […]

Tova Kaplan Best High School Stem

Tova Love Kaplan, 16, currently serves as the National Youth Director for Constituting America and is a three-time winner of the nonprofit’s “We the Future” contest. Her work with Constituting America has lead to incredible experiences at the Department of Education, White House, the United States Capitol, and Fortune 500 companies. Tova is heavily involved […]

Bob and Norma Freuer

Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. William Kohnke for your very generous contribution in loving memory of Bob and Norma Freuer to sponsor our Best High School Song Winner. Click here to read Mr. and Mrs. Kohnke’s remembrance of Bob and Norma Freuer.  

Mr. John Herklotz

Constituting America thanks Mrs. Cindy Brinker Simmons for her generous contribution in honor of the memory of Mr. John Herklotz. Mr. Herklotz was a generous supporter of Constituting America. He not only helped fund our Constitution Education Programs, but also gave Constituting America many opportunities to promote our programs to his wide network through featuring […]

Mr. Martin Hubbard

March 3, 1937 – January 20, 2020 Constituting America thanks our board member Mrs. Janice Gauntt for her generous contribution in Mr. Hubbard’s memory.  Mr. Hubbard was one of the earliest supporters of Constituting America, making our 2010 Road Trip Across America possible with a generous gift. Mr. Hubbard’s granddaughter is our Best Artwork Judge, […]

Barbara Awbrey Hardage

Constituting America thanks Janice Gauntt for her generous contribution in honor of Ms. Barbara Awbrey Hardage, to sponsor our Best Song Winner. Click here for Barbara’s obituary.

Kenneth Gene Festerman

Thank you to Julie Bicking for your generous gift in honor of your father, Mr. Kenneth Gene Festerman From Julie, “Kenneth Gene Festerman died April 3, 2000. He was 69. My father was my rock and inspiration. He served in the Field Artillery during the Korean War. Malaria became his ticket home. He was proud […]

James Quimby

Thank you to Dorothy Quimby for your generous gift in honor of Mr. James Quimby, your beloved husband. Click here for James Quimby’s obituary.

Marilyn Brink

Marilyn Brink was one of Constituting America’s first staff. She checked our P.O. Box and made deposits for us from 2010 to early 2019. Marilyn very generously donated most of her Constituting America duties, charging a very minimal fee. We will never forget Marilyn’s sense of humor and strong work ethic and are grateful for […]

Elyas Masrour Best High School PSA

Elyas Masrour is a 17-year-old from Long Island, New York. He attends Ward Melville High School where he participates in various clubs like FIRST Robotics, Environmental Club, DECA Business Competition, and the Muslim Students’ Association. Elyas is a creator at heart. Whether it’s designing a robot, organizing an event, or making a short film, he’s […]

Dakare Chatman Best High School Short Film

    Dakare C. Chatman is 16 years old and is a native of Charleston, South Carolina.  Dakare got his start in theatre. Some of his many roles include Ollie in Yes Virginia, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, Prince Chufa Chulalongkorn in The King and I, Ralphie in A Christmas Story, and Seaweed J. […]

Chibuzor Onyeahialam Best College PSA

My name is Chibuzor Ernest Onyeahialam and I am a born citizen of the United States with parents that are originally from Nigeria. I go to school at the University of Houston and I am studying computer information systems. I have plans of gaining a career in the computer industry. I have an extreme love […]

Daniela Staton

    My name is Daniela Staton. I am a 6th grade honors student and I live in Delray Beach, Florida. I am passionate about singing, songwriting, piano, and playing volleyball and tennis. As libero on my volleyball team, we won first place at the 2020 South Florida Season Opener. At school, my favorite subject […]

Alexandra Gusinski Best Middle School PSA

ALEXANDRA GUSINSKI CV Alexandra Gusinski, a 12-year-old, residing in Greenwich, Connecticut – is a first-generation American born in Los Angeles, on December 25, 2007. She is of Israeli-Russian descent and is the granddaughter of Russian-Israeli media tycoon, Vladimir Gusinsky. As a nature and marine life enthusiast, at age ten she received her Junior PADI Open […]

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Isabel Crews

Hello, my name is Isabel Crews. I am thirteen years old, but I am about to turn fourteen. Last year, I was the winner of Constituting America’s essay contest in the Middle School age division. I am currently pursuing my passions of acting, singing, reading, writing, and running. Recently, my eight year old brother and […]

The Impact Of Your Year End Gift!

“A house divided cannot stand.” That famous declaration of Abraham Lincoln’s looms large today. It seems like every day we receive further evidence of just how divided we are. Americans increasingly can’t agree on what our nation is, who it includes, how it should be governed, or what common values we honor and respect. In […]

Thank You To Our 39 Giving Tuesday Heroes!

Click Here to make your gift now and join the list! Why 39? 39 is the number of delegates who signed the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention! Your generous gifts fund our Constitution Education Programs: The George Washington – We Are All Americans – School Speaking Program; “We The Future” Contest; our yearly 90 […]

YASHICA NABAR

Yashica Nabar is a student at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is completing her Bachelor’s of Science in Supply Chain Management with a concentration in Project Management. During high school, she served in various presidential positions within her school’s Executive and Council boards. Her favorite memory was taking part in Mock Trial, in […]

CHASITY CAGLE

I graduated from Kennesaw State University (Georgia) with my Bachelor’s in Accounting in 2017. Currently, I work for Build-A-Bear Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri as an Internal Auditor. In my spare time, I enjoy watching live theatre performances and walking new trails at local state parks with my dog, Pepper.

GERALD HUESKEN

Gerald Huesken Jr. is a Social Studies teacher, primarily teaching World History and Government & Economics, at Elizabethtown Area High School in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education, Mr Huesken has been teaching at Elizabethtown since 2008. His 11th Grade Government & Economics and […]

HALLEY MOAK

Halley is a junior at Midway University in Midway, Kentucky with a triple major (Equine Rehabilitation, Equine Farm Management and Marketing/Bloodstock Sales). She has begun her MBA (4 + 1 program), which will be in Farm Management. Halley enjoys volunteering at the Rooftop Rodeo and at Rodeo Houston, and rides competitively as a member of […]

SAMIR PATEL

Samir is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur with a career spanning finance, real estate, education, and military service. He is currently the Managing Partner of Trophy Point Investment Group, a private real estate lending company that specializes in providing loans to members of the military community. Samir is also an Officer in the US Army Reserves, where […]

TRASA COBERN

I serve on the board of the Dallas Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, and have been published twice in relation to the national organization. I won the Harold Simmons Award for Excellence in Constitutional Teaching, and it encouraged me to apply for the James Madison Fellowship, a national teaching award, which I […]

MICHELLE NEYREY

I am a person that believes that students are the greatest gift and hope that we have in our world. We need to educate them so that everyone’s future is brighter. Being a teacher of students and other teachers is a great gift. I have taught 8th grade U.S. History and 7th grade Texas History at […]

NIC DOWNS

My name is Nic Downs, and I’m a 32-year-old California native with a bachelor’s degree in Communications (California Baptist University) and an English-teaching (TEFL) certification. I’ve traveled extensively through 3 continents, and currently work as an online English teacher for Spanish-speaking professionals in Chile. My hobbies include reading, walking, traveling, and studying/practicing foreign languages.

STEVEN JIANG

Steven Jiang is a high school freshman at Walter Payton College Prep in Chicago, IL. He runs varsity cross country and track and field, competes on the debate team, and writes for the school newspaper. Currently, he is the co-director of Super Spellers, a spelling and vocabulary program for students based on his experience competing […]

SHAYNLIN SMITH

Shaynlin Smith grew up in Drexel, Missouri where she graduated from Drexel High School in 2022 as Valedictorian and Class President. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Psychology minor from Central Methodist University. Shaynlin is planning to attend graduate school in the Fall of 2024 to begin working […]

Brandon Vanderford

Brandon Vanderford is the CEO of  Vanderford Capital Research Group and a Crypto-Economist. Brandon is currently doing research and forecasting analysis of crypto-currency / commodity markets. Brandon has owned and operated a state-of-the-art recording studio and video production company in the DFW area for nearly 16 years. In that time he has worked with top […]

Victoria Bauman

Victoria Bauman is a successful creative entrepreneur. Her passion for the arts and creative expression began at an early age while attending a Waldorf School where the arts are fostered and connected to all aspects of the learning process. She continued her study in the arts while attending a high school specifically for the arts […]

ALEXANDRA GUSINSKI

Alexandra Gusinski, a 12-year-old, residing in Greenwich, Connecticut – is a first-generation American born in Los Angeles, on December 25, 2007. She is of Israeli-Russian descent and is the granddaughter of Russian-Israeli media tycoon, Vladimir Gusinsky. As a nature and marine life enthusiast, at age ten she received her Junior PADI Open Water Scuba Diver […]

Juliette Turner

Juliette Turner, daughter of actress Janine Turner, served as National Youth Director for Constituting America from 2010-2017. In 2017, she was appointed Executive Director. Juliette currently serves on the Constituting America Board of Directors. She is the author of Our Constitution Rocks (2012), Our Presidents Rock (2014), and the novel That’s Not Hay in My […]

Tim Bowling

Tim Bowling has nearly 30 years of experience in the Medical Device and Biotechnology Industry. He resides in Orlando Florida, and is currently Vice President of Sales for MicroGenDX, a company specializing in Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Disease. Prior to his career in the medical industry, He served in the U.S. Army in the 24th […]

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James Madison, the Bill of Rights & Political Compromise

As we celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights, American politics and civic life seems more and more divided. The founding generation often saw a political environment that was just as divided as ours, if not even more so. Virginia statesman James Madison gives us an example of principled compromise to achieve the principles of limited government and inalienable rights as he became the “father of the Bill of Rights.”

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President George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee78 requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Michelle Neyrey

Winner, Best Constitution Lesson Plan  Michelle Neyrey, 50, Best Teacher Lesson Plan winner, was born in Louisiana now living in Kingwood, Texas with her husband Keith.  Michelle is a mother of twin boys. She has taught middle school for over 17 years in both private and public school.   She feels if students experience history through […]

Jorne Gilbert

Best College PSA By Jorne Gilbert Jorne Gilbert, 21, has spent the last two years of education at Muhlenberg College where he studied Music and was able make 30 tackles last year as a DE on the Mules Football Team. Jorne is proud to have participated in Constituting America and would like to thank those […]

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Freedom Of Speech Within Congressional Debates: John Quincy Adams & The Gag Rule, 1840s

Adams was exasperated and yelled, “Am I gagged?” He argued that the gag rule was a “direct violation of the Constitution of the United States, the rules of this House, and the rights of my constituents.” He declared the gag rule a threat to free, deliberative government: “The freedom of debate has been stifled in this House to a degree far beyond anything that ever has happened since the existence of the Constitution.”

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The Articles Of Confederation: The First Written Constitution Of The United States – Guest Essayist: George Landrith

After the decisive Battle of Yorktown in October of 1781 where General George Washington’s army defeated and captured the British army commanded by General Charles Cornwallis, the British sued for peace. America had finally won the independence that Jefferson had written about in his famous Declaration formalized by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It took more than five years of war to win that freedom. Now came the difficult task of establishing a nation dedicated to the principles of freedom and self-government. 

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Norm Cady & Jeff Lewis

Land of Dreams – By Norm Cady & Jeff Lewis Norm Cady I am writing to introduce myself, my music and my love of country. My home is in a small community in western New York. Although I have worked most of my life as a contractor, I have also spent most of my life as a musician […]

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INTRODUCTION: The United States Congress And Its Place In Constitutional Government – Guest Essayist: William Morrisey

Against the arbitrary rule of George III, the American Founders opposed the rule of law. On the most fundamental level, in their Declaration of Independence, they appealed to the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God against tyrannical violations of the unalienable rights established by those laws. Eleven years later, in designing the human, conventional, constitutional law that reframed the federal government, the Founders established a republican regime intended to prevent the return of arbitrary rule to their country.

Why is Actress Janine Turner Speaking at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy?

As an educator at The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy in Dallas, I have the unique opportunity to touch the lives of over 160 young men in my 7th grade Texas History and 8th grade US History classes. Not long ago, we had actress Janine Turner founder and co-chair of of Constituting America come to my class to speak to our young men about the relevancy of the US Constitution today.

JOE SCAIFE

We remember and and are eternally grateful to Joe Scaife for serving as one of Constituting America’s Best Song Judges since the inception of our organization. Joe was always so encouraging to us, and to our student contest winners. He met with them many times in Nashville, and was always so generous with his time. […]

DWAYNE HORNER

Dwayne Horner’s love of country and love of our U.S. Constitution drew him to become a part of Constituting America and its goal of educating America on the greatest gift given to us: the U.S. Constitution. Dwayne has been involved in all aspects of civic engagement from serving as a senior advisor to Governor Rick […]