fbpx

Author: Eleanor Stratton

  • Origins of Presidents Day

    Origins of Presidents Day

    Every February, Americans enjoy a long weekend in honor of Presidents Day—but why exactly do we celebrate it? While many associate the holiday with sales and discounts, its origins run much deeper in American history. Rooted in the early years of the republic, the day has evolved over time, shaped by legislation, cultural shifts, and…

  • Trump Halts Funding For Schools with Vaccine Mandates

    Trump Halts Funding For Schools with Vaccine Mandates

    Trump's Executive Order on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools President Donald Trump's new executive order halts federal funding for schools maintaining COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students. This aligns with efforts to end vaccine requirements across various sectors. The order aims to give parents more influence over their children's health decisions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizes…

  • Constitutional Values Clash at Presidents Day Protests

    Constitutional Values Clash at Presidents Day Protests

    Nationwide Protests Challenge Trump Administration on Presidents Day The 50501 Movement organized protests across the United States on Presidents Day under the theme “No Kings on Presidents Day.” Demonstrators voiced concerns about perceived threats to constitutional values and individual freedoms under President Trump’s administration. Key issues motivating protesters included: In major cities like Washington D.C.,…

  • Is the Legal Challenge to Birthright Citizenship Stronger Than Expected?

    Is the Legal Challenge to Birthright Citizenship Stronger Than Expected?

    Historical Context of Birthright Citizenship Birthright citizenship, a cornerstone of American identity, originates from the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This principle grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' legal status. Its roots lie in the post-Civil War era when the nation was redefining freedom and equality. The 14th…

  • What The Constitution Says About A Presidential Third Term

    What The Constitution Says About A Presidential Third Term

    Constitutional Amendments The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits a president to two terms in office. This rule was established following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. Before this amendment, the two-term tradition was an unwritten rule, set by George Washington when he stepped down after his second term. The amendment states,…

  • Judge Delays DOGE Data Access Block

    Judge Delays DOGE Data Access Block

    Federal Judge Questions DOGE’s Agency Status in Legal Battle A federal judge’s decision on Monday placed temporary restraints on unions’ efforts to stop the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal agency data. This highlights a legal discussion over whether DOGE should be considered a federal agency. Judge John D. Bates questioned DOGE’s classification,…

  • Do Probationary Employees Have A Constitutional Right To Due Process?

    Do Probationary Employees Have A Constitutional Right To Due Process?

    Understanding Due Process Due process, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, protects against arbitrary governmental actions. For probationary employees, this principle has specific implications. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments establish procedural and substantive due process: These principles shape the rights of employees, including those on probation. Probationary employees typically have fewer protections than permanent staff.…

  • Can The White House Ban The Press?

    Can The White House Ban The Press?

    Constitutional Implications The First Amendment safeguards press freedom, a crucial element of our constitutional republic. The White House’s decision to bar Associated Press journalists due to their refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” raises important questions about the balance between government power and press rights. This action poses a potential challenge to the…

  • The Constitutional Stakes of Trump’s Workforce Overhaul

    The Constitutional Stakes of Trump’s Workforce Overhaul

    The mass layoffs at the General Services Administration, part of a broader effort to reshape the federal workforce, bring constitutional concerns to the forefront. With policies like Schedule F poised to expand executive power over civil servants, the debate over government efficiency versus political loyalty intensifies. As the Constitution’s checks and balances face new tests,…

  • Defending the Constitution or Defying Federal Law? The Controversy Over Migrant Guidance

    Defending the Constitution or Defying Federal Law? The Controversy Over Migrant Guidance

    Constitutional Rights of Migrants Migrants in the United States, regardless of immigration status, are protected by the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures. This applies to everyone on American soil, not just citizens. Law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), must show a judicial warrant or gain consent before entering private spaces. Many…

  • Federal Judge Clarifies Trump Administration’s Funding Freeze

    Federal Judge Clarifies Trump Administration’s Funding Freeze

    U.S. District Judge John McConnell recently clarified the federal funding freeze instituted by President Donald Trump’s administration. McConnell determined that while the administration can pause federal spending, it must align with existing statutes and laws. This wasn’t a carte blanche move to rewrite the rulebook but a nod to existing guidelines. Despite allowing for lawful…

  • Can Judges Control the Executive’s Legitimate Power?

    Can Judges Control the Executive’s Legitimate Power?

    Constitutional Basis for Executive Power Article II of the U.S. Constitution defines executive power, outlining the President's duties and responsibilities. While granting significant authority, it includes checks and balances to prevent absolute power. The document assigns the President roles in: The Constitution's authors, aware of unchecked power's dangers, designed a system to prevent any branch…

  • Humphrey v. U.S.: Who Controls Independent Agencies?

    Humphrey v. U.S.: Who Controls Independent Agencies?

    Who really controls Washington’s powerful independent agencies – the President or Congress? For nearly a century, the battle over independent agencies has shaped American governance. With the Supreme Court now shifting power back to the executive, are we witnessing the end of agency independence as we know it? Historical Context of Removal Power The President’s…

  • How Judicial Review was Established in 1803

    How Judicial Review was Established in 1803

    Background of Marbury v. Madison In the early 1800s, America witnessed a power shift from the Federalists to the Jeffersonian Republicans. John Adams, the outgoing Federalist president, made last-minute judicial appointments, including William Marbury as justice of the peace in the District of Columbia. When Thomas Jefferson took office, he ordered these "midnight appointments" not…

  • Trump Spending Freeze Authority

    Constitutional Power of the Purse The Constitution assigns Congress the power of the purse, as outlined in Article I. This means Congress, not the President, decides where federal dollars go—a critical point ensuring that one branch can't dominate the cash flow. Past presidents have occasionally tried to exert control over federal spending. Whether it was…

  • Gold in Trump’s Office

    Gold in Trump’s Office

    Oval Office Decor and Its Significance Presidents often personalize the Oval Office with meaningful artifacts. In President Trump’s case, a notable addition is a shining gold trophy. This golden ornament raises questions: what is it and why display it? The replica’s presence carries deeper meaning. As the U.S. prepares to host most matches in the…

  • 14th Amendment Crisis: Constitutional Challenges to Revoking Birthright Citizenship

    14th Amendment Crisis: Constitutional Challenges to Revoking Birthright Citizenship

    Historical Context of the 14th Amendment The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, addressed the challenge of defining citizenship after the Civil War. It aimed to overturn the 1857 Dred Scott decision, which had denied citizenship to people of African descent. The amendment’s language extended citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,…

  • Who Controls U.S. Tariffs? The Constitution vs. Presidential Power

    Who Controls U.S. Tariffs? The Constitution vs. Presidential Power

    Constitutional Basis for Tariff Authority Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution vests the power to lay and collect tariffs with Congress. The Founding Fathers intended for legislative oversight on taxation, tariffs, and related financial matters, viewing tariffs as strategic levers to be used with caution and prudence. Historically, Congress set tariffs and maintained…

  • What Happens When Presidents Reverse Executive Orders?

    What Happens When Presidents Reverse Executive Orders?

    What the Constitution Allows (and What It Doesn’t) Article II of the U.S. Constitution provides the foundation for executive orders, vesting the president with the authority to ensure laws are faithfully executed. This power, while significant, is bound by existing federal laws and constitutional rights. Presidents throughout history have used executive orders in various ways.…

  • USAID Shutdown – Was It Even Legal To Begin With?

    USAID Shutdown – Was It Even Legal To Begin With?

    Constitutional Authority and Congressional Role The United States Constitution outlines the powers of government branches, ensuring all operate within prescribed boundaries. For agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), creation or abolition is governed by legislation. The founders crafted a system requiring congressional involvement for establishing or dismantling federal entities. USAID was initially…

  • Trump’s Executive Orders: Legal Analysis

    Trump’s Executive Orders: Legal Analysis

    As the Trump administration issues sweeping directives—from freezing federal funds to redefining citizenship—the debate over executive power has never been more urgent. For some, these orders are a necessary response to political gridlock, allowing the president to enforce policies that Congress refuses to act on. For others, they represent a dangerous expansion of executive authority,…

  • The Constitutional Fight Over Trump’s Spending Freeze

    The Constitutional Fight Over Trump’s Spending Freeze

    Judicial vs. Executive Authority The recent clash between the judiciary and the executive branch over federal spending reveals a fundamental issue with constitutional implications. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. found himself at the center of this controversy when he declared that the Trump administration was defying his order to release federal grant funds.…

  • Constitutional Concerns: Trump’s Buyout

    Legality of the Buyout Plan President Trump's proposed federal employee buyout plan raises significant constitutional and legal questions: Constitutional scholars suggest Congress typically holds the power to reorganize the federal workforce to this extent. Unions and state attorneys general are challenging the executive order rescinding remote work, arguing such changes require congressional involvement. The administration…

  • Does The Constitution Even Mention Executive Orders?

    Does The Constitution Even Mention Executive Orders?

    Few tools in the president’s arsenal generate as much debate as the executive order. With the stroke of a pen, presidents can shape national policy, bypass legislative gridlock, and set the course for government action. But where does this power come from—and more importantly, where does it end? The Trump administration’s recent actions have reignited…

  • Judge Blocks Musk Access to Treasury Data

    Judge Blocks Musk Access to Treasury Data

    Legal Battle Unfolds Over Data Privacy A contentious legal dispute is brewing between labor unions, tech mogul Elon Musk, and the U.S. Treasury Department. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the Alliance for Retired Americans have initiated a lawsuit against the former President Trump's Treasury Department. At…

  • Are We Witnessing a Constitutional Crisis?

    Are We Witnessing a Constitutional Crisis?

    Constitutional Crisis or Executive Reform? A presidency reshaping the boundaries of power. A Congress struggling to assert its authority. A judiciary caught in the middle. Are we witnessing a necessary course correction in government efficiency—or the early signs of a constitutional unraveling? Constitutional Safeguards and Executive Power The U.S. Constitution, guided by Article I, entrusts…

  • Trump Suggests US Takeover of Gaza

    Trump Suggests US Takeover of Gaza

    Trump's Controversial Gaza Proposal Sparks Global Backlash President Donald Trump's recent suggestion to take over the Gaza Strip and transform it into a "Riviera of the Middle East" has sparked significant reaction. During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed: This idea diverges sharply from traditional U.S. foreign policy approaches to…

  • Trump’s First 14 Days in 2025

    Trump’s First 14 Days in 2025

    14. Pardoning January 6 Defendants and Promoting Equal Justice President Trump issued pardons to nearly all individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol events. This action aligns with his goals of justice system reform and addresses what he perceives as misuse of the system against political opponents. The pardons reunited many families…

  • USAID Shutdown Impact

    USAID Shutdown Impact

    USAID Shutdown Sparks Debate The Trump administration's decision to halt operations at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has ignited controversy. This move aims to save taxpayer money and prioritize American interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argues that USAID has functioned more like a global charity than an entity aligned with American policy.…

  • NGOs and Constitutional Boundaries

    NGOs and Constitutional Boundaries

    Definition and Purpose of NGOs Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are independent entities operating outside government influence. They address societal needs like: NGOs aim to fill gaps where government action may be insufficient or alternative perspectives are needed. NGOs are active in numerous areas globally, promoting social welfare and adapting quickly to emerging issues. They lack legal…

  • Is DOGE Constitutional?

    Is DOGE Constitutional?

    Constitutional Powers and Impoundment The United States Constitution grants Congress authority over federal spending, often called the “power of the purse.” Article I, Section 9 states, “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Congress must enact laws to allocate any money spent by the government. The…

  • Trump’s First 14 Days: Key Accomplishments

    Trump’s First 14 Days: Key Accomplishments

    14. Visit to CIA Headquarters President Trump visited the CIA headquarters early in his presidency to mend relations with the intelligence community. This visit aimed to: The engagement signaled the administration's approach to strengthening its relationship with key federal agencies and prioritizing national security. 13. Mexico City Policy Reinstated President Trump reinstated the Mexico City…

  • Mexico Border Security Deal

    Mexico Border Security Deal

    U.S.-Mexico Agreement on Border Security The U.S.-Mexico agreement to strengthen border security emerged from negotiations with tariffs as leverage. Under this accord, Mexico deployed about 12,000 National Guard members, primarily soldiers and military police, to its southern border. Their objective was to reduce northward migration flows. The National Guard's rapid deployment raised concerns about their…

  • Canada Agrees to Security Measures

    Trump Announces Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China President Trump has announced a decision to impose tariffs, affecting economic relations with Canada, Mexico, and China. He proposed: This move has stirred economic concerns among various stakeholders. Economists and business leaders expressed worries about potential increases in consumer prices and supply chain disruptions. The National Association…

  • Panama Ends China Canal Deal

    Panama Ends China Canal Deal

    U.S. Pressures Panama Over Chinese Influence in Canal Zone U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a firm message to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, emphasizing concerns over Chinese influence in the Panama Canal area. The United States views the Chinese presence, primarily through the Belt and Road Initiative, as worrisome for the strategic waterway.…

  • Trump’s Ukraine Rare Earth Demand

    Trump’s Ukraine Rare Earth Demand

    Trump Links Ukraine Aid to Rare Earth Access President Donald Trump has proposed a strategic move linking ongoing U.S. aid to Ukraine's fight against Russia with gaining access to Ukraine's rare earth materials. This approach showcases both a strategic and economic initiative, recognizing these elements' critical role in modern technology. Rare earth elements, a group…

  • Top Effects of Trump’s New Tariffs

    Top Effects of Trump’s New Tariffs

    1. Rising Car Costs U.S. consumers may see higher car prices due to tariffs on automotive imports from Mexico and Canada. In 2023, these imports totaled $106 billion. A 25% tariff could raise the average new car price by $3,000, according to TD Economics. This adds to an already expensive market where new cars average…

  • Trump’s Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

    Trump’s Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

    Trump’s Tariff Proposal: A Bold Move on North American Trade Donald Trump’s recent announcement has sent shockwaves through North American trade relations. The former president proposed a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, aiming to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. This strategy mirrors economic sanctions often used to drive political or…

  • EU VAT vs Import Tariffs

    Understanding VAT and Tariffs VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied at each stage of production or distribution. Businesses collect VAT for the government, passing the cost to consumers. It applies equally to imported and domestic goods. Import tariffs are direct taxes on foreign goods entering a country. They aim to protect domestic…

  • Trump Preps Island for Migrants

    Trump Preps Island for Migrants

    Trump Announces Plan to Repurpose Island Base for Immigration Enforcement President Donald Trump recently unveiled a controversial plan to repurpose a U.S. military base with a significant history. The initiative aims to accommodate 30,000 individuals deemed “criminal illegal aliens”. Trump highlighted the site’s current capacity and its role in strengthening national security. He emphasized that…

  • Fauci’s Security Detail Cut

    Fauci’s Security Detail Cut

    Trump Ends Fauci's Federal Security Detail President Donald Trump has terminated Dr. Anthony Fauci's federal security detail, igniting a heated debate. This decision is closely tied to Fauci's role as an advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing threats, Fauci now finds himself without federal protection and has opted to fund his own security—a private…

  • Trump’s Executive Order on JFK, RFK, MLK Files

    Trump’s Executive Order on JFK, RFK, MLK Files

    Trump Orders Declassification of Kennedy and King Assassination Records President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for the declassification of files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. The order sets a timeline for officials to plan the release: Trump emphasized the significance of this…

  • Government Information Withholding

    Legal Exemptions for Withholding Trade secrets allow private companies partnering with the government to protect proprietary information. This exemption becomes crucial in sectors where innovation is rapid, and companies guard their formulas or techniques closely. Security and privacy issues also justify withholding information. This exemption protects sensitive government data that, if disclosed, could risk public…

  • Most Productive Presidential Starts

    Historical Context of the First 100 Days Franklin D. Roosevelt set the benchmark for productivity during a presidency's opening months. Elected amidst the Great Depression, FDR's first 100 days in 1933 were marked by unprecedented action. He implemented a series of bold initiatives: Roosevelt's success in those early days became the standard against which future…

  • Judge Blocks Trump Citizenship Order

    Judge Blocks Trump Citizenship Order

    Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship President Donald Trump’s executive order aims to reshape birthright citizenship in the United States, targeting the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment. This directive focuses on children born on U.S. soil to parents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. Trump argues this revision of citizenship rules is…

  • Trump’s Executive Actions List

    Trump’s Executive Actions List

    The principles laid down by the Founding Fathers continue to guide our nation. The Constitution shapes policies that balance individual liberty with national interests. As we consider recent developments, it's important to reflect on how these align with the values of our constitutional republic. 1. Jan. 6 Pardons President Trump has issued a broad pardon…

  • Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

    Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

    Trump's Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship President Donald Trump's executive order aims to alter U.S. citizenship law by ending birthright citizenship. The order specifies that for a child to automatically be considered a U.S. citizen, at least one parent must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. This policy targets children born in…

  • Trump’s 2025 Inauguration Key Moments

    Trump’s 2025 Inauguration Key Moments

    Trump Takes Office as 47th President Donald Trump took the oath as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to power. In his inaugural address, he outlined his vision for America’s future, pledging to introduce a new era of prosperity, governance, and global respect. Key proposals from Trump’s speech included: On international…

  • Trump Oath Not on Bible

    Trump Oath Not on Bible

    The Bible and Presidential Inaugurations: Tradition vs. Constitution In U.S. presidential inaugurations, the practice of using a Bible during the oath of office has been a longstanding tradition since George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. However, the Constitution focuses on the oath’s words rather than props used during its recitation. Article II, Section I of…

  • El Paso Port Closure Amid Trump’s Orders

    El Paso Port Closure Amid Trump’s Orders

    Trump Administration Implements Major Changes at El Paso Border On January 20, President Trump’s administration enacted significant changes at the El Paso Port of Entry, signaling a shift in border enforcement policy. Officers in riot gear stood ready, embodying the renewed focus on border security. The President had taken office prepared to address border issues…

  • Trump Ends CBP One App

    Trump Ends CBP One App

    Trump Shuts Down CBP One App on First Day as President On his first day as President, Donald Trump made good on his campaign promise to overhaul border policies by shutting down the CBP One App. This digital system, introduced in 2023, had allowed nearly 1 million migrants to lawfully enter the U.S. by scheduling…

  • Trump’s 2025 Day-One Agenda

    Trump’s 2025 Day-One Agenda

    In the landscape of American governance, the principles laid out by the Founding Fathers continue to guide contemporary policy discussions. As we consider various proposals and reforms, it is essential to reflect on how these align with the enduring values enshrined in our constitutional framework. The interplay between tradition and modernity shapes our national discourse,…

  • Iconic Inauguration Days

    Iconic Inauguration Days

    Evolution of Inauguration Day Inauguration Day in American politics represents both continuity and change, signifying the peaceful transition of power while adapting to the nation's needs. The first inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, with George Washington taking the oath in New York City. The Constitution initially set March 4 as the day for…

  • Watch for Trump’s 2025 Inauguration

    Watch for Trump’s 2025 Inauguration

    The inauguration of Donald Trump marks a significant moment in America’s constitutional journey. This event reflects on the enduring principles guiding the United States while considering how these ideals will shape future governance. Rooted in tradition, this occasion invites contemplation on the nation’s foundational values and their role in addressing contemporary challenges. 1. Inaugural Ceremony…

  • Make Greenland Great Again Act

    Make Greenland Great Again Act

    Legislative Background The Make Greenland Great Again Act, introduced by Republican Congressman Andy Ogles, aims to authorize negotiations for acquiring Greenland. This legislation follows renewed interest from President-elect Donald Trump regarding the Danish territory. If passed, the bill would allow Trump to seek an agreement after taking office in January 2025. The act requires sharing…

  • Supreme Court on Gun Law Challenges

    Supreme Court on Gun Law Challenges

    Supreme Court Declines Gun Law Challenges in Delaware and Maryland The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to consider challenges to gun regulations in Delaware and Maryland, leaving intact lower courts' decisions that support the states' firearm laws. This move disappoints gun enthusiasts and advocacy groups while affirming states' rights to implement certain types of gun…

  • MN GOP Recall Threat Over Dem Boycott

    MN GOP Recall Threat Over Dem Boycott

    Minnesota GOP Threatens Recalls Over Democratic Boycott The Minnesota Republican Party is planning to pursue constitutional recalls against Democrats considering absence from the state legislature. At a Monday press conference, Chairman Alex Plechash declared: "Minnesotans expect one thing from their elected officials: to show up and do the job they were sent here to do.…

  • Worst US Presidents by Constitution Violations

    Worst US Presidents by Constitution Violations

    Throughout American history, the presidency has reflected broader constitutional debates and tensions. Examining these presidencies offers insight into how leadership choices can shape the nation's trajectory, particularly when they intersect with the enduring principles enshrined in the Constitution. 1. James Buchanan's Inaction James Buchanan's presidency is often criticized for his hesitance during a turbulent period…

  • Trump’s 2025 Tax Proposal Analyzed

    Trump’s 2025 Tax Proposal Analyzed

    The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Expiration and Proposed Extensions The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to expire, and Trump aims to make the income tax rate cuts and standard deduction permanent. This decision could maintain lower tax bills for many middle-class families. If the TCJA expires by 2026, most…

  • Biden Extends Deportation Protections

    Biden Extends Deportation Protections

    Biden Extends Temporary Protected Status for Hundreds of Thousands President Biden's executive actions have extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela, affecting hundreds of thousands who can now renew their statuses and continue residing in the U.S. with work permits. This move impacts: The TPS program, established decades…