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josborne
Civics 101

Thursday marks anniversary of end of prohibition

Some celebrate Dec. 5 as Repeal Day, because Prohibition — which outlawed alcohol — was ended by a constitutional amendment which repealed an earlier amendment. The 21st Amendment’s repeal of the 18th Amendment is the only time such an instance has occurred in the nation’s history.

Dec 2, 2019 at 3:15 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: National Native American Heritage Month

Not until 1924 were all Native Americans granted citizenship. Before this juncture, only individuals who were members of federally recognized tribes and “naturalized” individuals were given the rights of a United States citizen.

Nov 18, 2019 at 3:15 PM
josborne
Veterans Day

Did you know Veterans Day began as Armistice Day?

Armistice Day was first marked in 1919, one year after WWI fighting ceased. It became a national holiday in 1938 and was transformed to Veterans Day in 1954 in order to honor American veterans of all wars. 

Nov 11, 2019 at 9:27 AM
josborne
Civics 101

What role is assigned to the Senate in impeachment proceedings?

Last week in Civics 101 we looked at the U.S. House of Representatives’ role in impeachment. This week we turn to the U.S. Senate’s role: “a High Court of Impeachment in which senators consider evidence, hear witnesses, and vote to acquit or convict ...”

Nov 4, 2019 at 2:18 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: Constitution gives House sole power to impeach official

“The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” — U.S. Constitution, Article II, section 4

Oct 28, 2019 at 2:40 PM
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his first State of the State Address Monday, March 4, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Civics 101

Gov. Bill Lee launches civics program, grants available

The application window opens Friday and closes on Friday, Dec. 6. The department will be offering an online training beginning Thursday to provide more information to districts and schools on the Governor’s Civics Seal and associated mini-grants. 

Oct 21, 2019 at 5:30 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: What is Robert's Rules of Order?

Sullivan County commissioners mulling “update” to local rules on how county meetings are conducted, and some commissioners have voiced a lack of interest in Robert’s Rules of Order.

Oct 14, 2019 at 3:30 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: Private acts under Tennessee law

Among laws passed by the General Assembly, public acts are applicable to all jurisdictions. Private acts generally have local application only.

Sep 23, 2019 at 5:30 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: Tennessee's state tree

The tulip poplar was chosen “because it grows from one end of the state to the other” and “was extensively used by the pioneers of the state to construct houses, barns, and other necessary farm buildings.”

Sep 9, 2019 at 7:00 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: Labor Day, as a national holiday, turns 125

On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Sep 2, 2019 at 1:45 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Can you answer these geography questions from U.S. citizenship test?

When an immigrant applies to become a U.S. citizen, they must answer 10 questions from a potential list of 100. Here are some examples of the section on geography.

Aug 19, 2019 at 6:00 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: Tennessee, from territory to state

Did you know Tennessee started out as only six counties, compared to the 95 it consists of today?

Aug 12, 2019 at 2:27 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: How much do you know about the history of Tennessee’s Constitution?

Tennessee’s current state Constitution was ratified by the people in March 1870. But it wasn’t the first. Or second.

Updated Aug 5, 2019 at 2:43 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: New web resource provides information about Tennessee tax relief program

Property tax notices could be just around the corner for many Tennessee residents, as individual counties and cities set a property tax rate. What to know if your over 65, disabled, or a disabled veteran.

Jul 29, 2019 at 3:45 PM
josborne
Civics 101

Civics 101: Teachers invited to Blue Book lesson plans workshop

This week the Secretary of State’s civic engagement coordinator will be hosting a workshop for teachers (of all grade levels and subjects) at Northeast State Community College. The free workshop (including lunch) earns teachers four hours of professional development. 

Jul 23, 2019 at 1:13 PM
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