The Importance of Civics Education

With the celebration of Bill of Rights Day last week the Los Angeles Times ran an excellent op-ed about the importance of civics education while reflecting on the drafting of the Bill of Rights. Below is a link to the article:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-estrincroddy15-2009dec15,0,6328460.story

Some of the highlights:

"Research shows that students who have the opportunity to participate in simulations such as legislative hearings, mock trials and, yes, even constitutional conventions not only learn more but develop greater civic skills and interest in politics.

Although we need to make sure our children are proficient in math and reading, it is vitally important to the future of our democracy that they also learn what it means to be a competent and involved citizen."

Long story short, what you do by being involved in Kids Voting Kansas REALLY matters, and is helping to strengthen our democracy!

Happy Bill of Rights Day!

On this day in 1791, following ratification by 3/4 of the states, the first 10 amendments to our Constitution became law. Anti-federalists grew concerned at the brevity of the newly drafted Constitution, and sought a means to ensure protection of the people from tyranny and oppression. In 1789, James Madison, a New York delegate to the Constitutional Convention, proposed a set of 12 amendments to the constitution. On October 2, 1789, the 12 proposed amendments were sent to the states for their ratification, of which 10 were eventually ratified.

These ten amendments give Americans some of the most fundamental rights we recognize today.

I- Freedom of speech, press, religion

II- Right to Bear Arms

III- Conditions of quartering for soldiers

IV- Right to protection from unwarranted search and seizure

V-Rights afforded to those facing criminal prosecution

VI- Right to a speedy trial

VII- Right to trial by jury

VIII-Right to freedom from excessive bails and fines

IX- Enumeration Clause

X- States rights under the Constitution

Take some time today to reflect on your rights, and Happy Bill of Rights Day!

Source: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_history.html

New Interim Kids Voting Kansas Coordinator Selected

Kids Voting Kansas has selected Angel Romero to be the new Interim Director for the organization. As the son of a military service-member, Angel has lived around the world, but finally found his way to Junction City, KS where he graduated high school in 2006. Angel is currently a student at Washburn University where he will graduate in may with a B.A. in Political Science. After that, Angel currently plans to attend law school.

Angel is excited to help move the organization forward, and wants to hear from any and everyone with ideas to share. Feel free to email him at kvk@kspress.com.