Political Confession: I’m not pro-republican or pro-democrat. I’m pro-civics, and you should be too!
With the 2020 Presidential Election weeks away, Americans need to know what is civically true more than ever. Note that civic truth is not a political preference but are facts primarily related to the Constitution and other secondary matters about the American democratic-republic.
Reflecting a bit further, let me ask, could you pass an American Government CLEP test? What about after months of study? How about the American Citizenship exam that covers civic knowledge?
If you were like many Americans, you would struggle to pass either an American Government CLEP or a citizenship exam. Personally, I avidly watch the news; I have watched The West Wing twice and any other political drama over the past 20 years, and guess what? I, myself, struggled to pass an American Government CLEP test.
Being no different than many Americans, I felt my level of understanding of American civics must change. Not so that I could pass an American Government CLEP test, but because I want to be a better-informed voter and a citizen who unifies over civic truths than partisan ideologies. Therefore, I’m urging you to develop your education and knowledge of American civics too.
Notice I keep using the word, civics, and not politics. My word choice is intentional. Far too many on social media, within journalism, political news pundits, and even politicians don’t understand our real American civics. Why? Because too many of us focus on political ideology than civic facts. It’s no wonder we see the division within America.
To combat our divisiveness, we must begin by knowing how government should work. We must know the amendments and articles are of the Constitution, landmark Supreme Court cases, and other civic information.
Granted, preparing for an American Government CLEP test is not ideal for everyone. Still, I think every American should be at a place where they can pass one. Before the Presidential Election, start with an easy step: read the United States Constitution. If you’ve read it before, reread the Constitution.
The Constitution isn’t that large. Copies of it are sold in pocket form, making it a short and easy read. You can grab an affordable physical copy here or read it online from the National Archives website. Regardless of your preferred format, it doesn’t take long to read the Constitution. Either format you choose, I believe you will help reestablish our democratic-republic foundation and lead others towards better civic conversations.
Once you finish the Constitution, read other civic documents like The Federalist Papers, and learn about Supreme Court cases beyond Roe v. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education. Just remember, additional documents do not hold the same authority as the Constitution. At best, they are decisions or commentary about how people think one should interpret the Constitution.
In 2020 we are divided like never before, and our knowledge of civics is needed more than ever. Eventually, we do have to choose a political side. Even if you’ve made your political choice long ago, for now, turn off the news for the next few weeks, read the Constitution, and keep learning. You’ll be more informed than any news station you prefer. Plus, our nation, our unity, and our well-being in daily life will benefit as we each take a responsible civic interest.
