Steve Jackson

The Strait of Hormuz is not straight. It’s a curved waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Persia is the historical name of Iran and Oman is the name of a country to the south. While the Persian Gulf borders Iran the Gulf of Oman borders the enormous Arabian Sea. The Persian Gulf is relatively shallow with the exception of the deep port of Kharg Island in the north and the Strait of Hormuz which is deep enough to accommodate large tanker ships. The Persian Gulf is about...

Understanding American civics is more than just knowing the branches of government or the Constitution. It is the foundation of active citizenship and a thriving democracy. When citizens grasp how their government works, their rights, and their responsibilities, they become empowered to participate meaningfully in shaping their communities and country. This post explores why civics knowledge matters, how it connects to civic responsibility, and the powerful impact informed citizens have on...

How does the U.S. Constitution check and balance our government in times of potential war? First of all who has the power to declare war? That power was placed solely within the U.S. Congress. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate need to vote in favor of declaring war to begin hostilities. A simple majority vote is required from each of both houses. Once war is declared by Congress the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has the responsibility to get the job done, to win the...