THE CONSTITUTION STUDY

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The American people elevate the President to a throne, expecting him to solve every crisis and command every outcome. Power once shared now bends toward one office. When citizens treat a leader as a king, tyranny follows close behind. Lie down with tyrants, and you rise no longer free but ruled...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Labeling has become a lazy weapon in modern discourse. Instead of engaging with ideas, people throw words like “racist” or “homophobe” to silence others. This behavior reflects fear of stigma rather than truth-seeking. True strength lies in rejecting emotional manipulation and walking away from those who use labels to control conversation...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Thanks to the internet and social media, ideas are no longer filtered by elitists and their organizations. You no longer have to wait to be told what others think you need to know. Today, you can get all sorts of information, often right from the source. And boy, does that make the elitist filters mad. When a lie is called the truth, what do you trust?

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – When the Founding Fathers established this union, they did not expect the citizens to be passive participants but active in its operation. Rather than expecting others to protect their rights, they wanted people to defend their own rights. Our first Chief Justice of the United States, John Jay, told us how we could do that...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – We often talk about our need to learn the Constitution to help our state governments fulfill their duties to protect our rights, even from federal infringement. When the states remember that they are the creators of the federal government, not its vassal, then we can restore the power balance the Framers of the Constitution envisioned...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Americans are losing trust in the very foundations that hold the nation together—freedom, justice, and unity. As confidence in elections, media, and institutions fades, the branch of trust weakens beneath us. When it finally breaks, the fall will be ours, unless we remember what truly binds the United States as one...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – While the American people would appear to want to sit back and let someone spoon-feed them “the truth,” that is a guaranteed way to be fed falsehoods. If we are to know the truth, we must find it for ourselves. If you find the idea of searching for truth too much of an inconvenience, it tells me you are willing to sell your freedom for comfort, just as...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – In that Congress, the parties like to blame each other, either for the spending or the tax cuts. But our deficits have been a bipartisan problem for decades. And as many of the American people who complain about the spending and deficits, we seem to forget that it is We the People who not only place those members of Congress, but we...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The Republic faces many problems, but the real question is whether we're using the right tools to fix them. The Constitution offers powerful means for both states and citizens to restore balance, yet too often we strike at problems with the wrong approach. It's time to choose our tools wisely and repair the Republic...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Many Americans follow leaders without truly examining their actions or integrity. With civic education in decline and myths about the Constitution spreading, the nation drifts further from its founding principles. Like the blind leading the blind, citizens and officials alike stumble together, forgetting the oaths and truths that once defined the land of the free...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Debate grows over whether America needs another Bill of Rights. Some claim the Constitution no longer protects our freedoms, while others argue enforcement—not expansion—is the answer. From a Washington State classroom to North Carolina's Parents' Bill of Rights, the question remains: do we strengthen our rights with new laws or uphold the ones we already have...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Sadly, it seems that public education is more about learning what to think rather than how to think. Based on many of the discussions I've had across the country, critical thinking seems to be a skill many Americans have lost. I believe G.K. Chesterton once described our situation perfectly: “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Labels shape how we see others, but when they harden into collectivism, individuality and freedom suffer. This piece explores how stereotypes and group identities can quietly erode personal liberty in American life, urging readers to look inward and recognize how easily collective thinking replaces independent thought and authentic self-expression...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Sure, the federal government can use some disinfecting, but so can our state governments. A U.S. Senate committee hearing has exposed the fact that the Transportation Security Administration has been spying on Americans, often for little more than exercising their First Amendment right to free association or their Fifth Amendment right of due process...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Many Americans believe the federal government holds powers it simply does not have. From so-called shutdowns to unconstitutional vaccine laws, Washington continues to overstep its limits. Despite public trust, these actions reveal how far government authority strays from the Constitution, raising urgent questions about freedom, responsibility, and the true scope of federal power...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Across America, adults act like spoiled children when they don't get their way—throwing tantrums, lashing out, and turning to violence. From shootings and threats to political retaliation, reason gives way to immaturity. When anger replaces civility, society mirrors a playground fight instead of a democracy built on debate, respect, and accountability...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Perhaps the answer isn't that the schools aren't performing, but that their goals have changed. Perhaps the goal of public education is not to lift children up to a basic level of citizenship, but to “educate” them down to the lowest common denominator. Perhaps that explains why children who can recite the latest TikTok craze cannot read about it on X...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Legal trouble looms large as states push back against federal demands for voter data, sparking constitutional battles. Questions swirl around James Comey's indictment, Congress's authority, and FBI actions tied to January 6th. Meanwhile, mayors challenge ICE operations, testing limits of power. In a nation full of attorneys, clashes over law and politics seem unavoidable...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – How can we expect people to seek the truth when, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (also known as the nation's report card), almost half of seniors are failing in math, and almost a third failed in reading? The truth is, our public education system is failing. And what some states claim as success has yet to prove itself...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – You may like one team's agenda above the other, but are you willing to sell your rights so they can play this game with our future? Like a tag-team wrestling team, the Democrats and Republicans seem to take turns infringing on our rights. Yes, they have different agendas, but they repeatedly use the same techniques, many of which are unconstitutional, to get their way...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The United States drifts when detached from the Constitution, its true anchor. Without it, rights erode, institutions falter, and politics replaces justice. From violence against public figures to the weaponization of agencies and the rise of divisive movements, the nation veers off course. Reconnecting to founding principles restores stability, freedom, and the protection of all...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Let's face it, the United States is fiscally in a disaster. How many years has it been since Congress has passed any budget at all, much less a balanced one? Once again, we have the annual game of chicken, donkeys, and elephants about passing spending legislation or shutting down the government. Meanwhile, the embezzlement Ponzi scheme known as...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – America's healthcare system, once praised as the best, now drives rising costs, declining quality, and worsening public health. Government mandates, failed policies, and bureaucracy weigh heavily on patients and nurses alike. Ashley Grogg, a seasoned nurse and advocate, speaks out in Resuscitating Nursing, urging bold action to revive a broken system and empower frontline caregivers...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Based on a Rutgers poll, more than half of people who identify as “left” believe assassinating a sitting president may be justified. To some, even a simple murder is terrorism. And yes, this is sick. Then we have the examples of federal actors ignoring the Constitution, like Congress's deficit spending, the DOJ's illegal demand for state voter registration data, while...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Many people put their faith in the idea that, when Donald Trump regained the presidency, all things would be better again. Sadly, that is not the case. There are dangers for our children. There are still those who punish people for being Christians, or Republicans, or just plain defending their rights. So what are we to do?

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – People denounce censorship while demanding it against their rivals. Critics of Biden's speech and social media restrictions now push to silence voices supporting violence. The question rises: is free speech only for agreeable opinions? From teachers to politicians, the right to express even foolish or offensive thoughts defines liberty, yet party divisions threaten its survival...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The Constitution isn't taught in our schools, not even our law schools. Then again, what would that matter, since the federal government has gotten involved in education, its quality has declined. Yet, despite all this evidence of failure, people still believe it is legal for the federal government to continue violating its oath to support the Constitution...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago, the Framers of our Constitution signed it and sent it to the states for ratification, making it the oldest national constitution in world history. Please promise me that, this year, you will read the Constitution of the United States. That you will both learn the supreme law of the land, but use it to defend and assert...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Nathan Hale famously said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Sadly, Charlie Kirk lost his life serving his attempts to improve this country. For this, many people have been deifying him, almost as if they want to make him a saint. Others are using this tragedy as an attempt to make Mr. Kirk a martyr for gun control...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Look at the nation around us. So-called “News” has become little more than political party propaganda. Freedom of speech is dying, on campus and in everyday life. Favorable views of socialism are increasing, while faith in capitalism is declining. Democrats are really Marxists, and many Republicans seem more interested in suppressing dissent than in...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Names carry weight, shaping how we see war, rights, and even free speech. From Trump's push to rename the Department of Defense to Durham's Fourth Amendment claim and censorship abroad, the struggle over words reveals hidden power. What we call things influences law, culture, and trust—reminding us that naming is never neutral...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn published the essay “Live Not by Lies.” In this essay, Solzhenitsyn encouraged people not to cooperate with the regime's lies. I think that is good advice for Americans today. The world is full of lies. Some of those lies are serious, others may be used to protect the feelings of others. However, all of those lives come with a...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – An oligarchy is a political system ruled by a few. Contrary to popular belief, legally, the US is a republic, not a democracy. However, more and more we are being governed not by Congress, but by a small group in black robes known as federal judges. If the elected branches of government cannot do anything unless the courts approve, then we are no...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – We move through life with assumptions, but truth seekers test them against facts. Politicians, media, and experts often shape narratives while ignoring contradictions. From vaccine debates to corruption claims, the challenge remains: will we let evidence reshape our beliefs, or stay bound by bias? Freedom begins when truth outweighs comfortable opinions...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Law enforcement is meant to uphold the law, yet it increasingly serves political agendas and personal gain. From federal overreach in cities to the use of the National Guard against protests, and disputes over immigration policies, power is tested. Citizens face pressing questions when justice itself risks becoming a tool for influence rather than fairness...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Leaders in Washington repeat the same mistakes, expecting different results. Congress pushes the 25th Amendment and shutdown threats, while the president claims powers over state elections. Courts weigh battles against religious freedom, and schools hide falling standards. The cycle of political insanity continues as voters keep empowering those who fuel dysfunction and decline...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Most people I know are offering thoughts and prayers for those impacted by the Minneapolis shooting. While some dismiss prayer as useless, I believe it matters. We can learn from tragedy about protecting the vulnerable, addressing mental health, and recognizing true responsibility. Prayer changes me, and through that change, I help change the world...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Does the First Amendment protect a “media outlet” from being investigated for a crime? Does the President's power over the District of Columbia extend to other cities? What about his executive orders? Can they criminalize certain activities? What happens when police powers are taken too far and infringe on individual rights?

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Justice delayed raises tough questions. FBI whistleblowers win settlements after years of lost rights, while the CDC only now examines COVID-19 vaccines. Washington, D.C. struggles with crime despite heightened security. These late responses show action eventually comes, but is it enough? The call remains clear: society must demand swifter accountability and protection of rights...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – History doesn't repeat, it rhymes. From the government's stake in Intel to an executive order banning flag burning, echoes of past mistakes appear again. Is this investment in America's future, or a step toward communism? Does free expression still stand strong, or is censorship creeping closer? The present raises familiar and troubling questions...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The rule of law faces deep challenges as raids, investigations, and judicial actions raise questions of fairness and accountability. From John Bolton to the Clinton Foundation, political motivations and cover-ups blur justice. With courts and leaders shaping outcomes, the concern grows: how far has the loss spread, and what can citizens do to restore trust?

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Beliefs often feel certain, yet many crumble under scrutiny. From COVID safety claims to viral TikTok behavior and misleading headlines, what people “know” can prove false. Decisions built on misinformation lead to serious consequences. It's not ignorance but misplaced certainty that causes the deepest harm, reminding us truth demands evidence, not assumption or hearsay...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Politics pushes past medicine as COVID-19, Biden's decline, VA hospital shortages, and Illinois' stance on masculinity show. Science and care fall to agendas, leaving veterans, families, and citizens with neglect. True healthcare means doctors and facilities serve people, not bureaucracy. Without health, nothing else matters—and it's up to us to demand real care...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Conor Fitzpatrick joins FIRE from Detroit with deep experience in state and federal litigation. He champions the First Amendment through pro bono cases for the incarcerated, securing victories that protect free expression. Recognized with the Richard J. Seryak Award, he brings a record of defending civil liberties while also enjoying reading, running, sushi, and Detroit sports...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Firearms spark debate, yet the right to bear arms remains central to freedom. From protecting families against violence to resisting government overreach, the Second Amendment embodies self-defense and independence. Echoing Madison and Webster, the message is clear: disarming citizens risks tyranny. To remain free, the people must safeguard their natural right to defend...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – America's republic stands apart from pure democracy, as the Founders recognize its dangers and establish a constitutional system to protect liberty. Hamilton warns against extremes, emphasizing balance. Yet today, political actors exploit elections, voting methods, and media influence to secure power. The question remains: are We the People resilient enough to safeguard our republic...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Crime shapes daily life, from city streets to the nation's capital. Questions rise about gun-free zones, delayed firearm access, and the reliability of crime statistics. Corruption, politics, and enforcement collide as leaders face scrutiny. The real issue is not what officials promise, but how citizens protect themselves when crime and law intersect in America...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The foundation of any building determines its strength, but the foundation of Washington rests not on stone, but on money and power. Greed drives voters to demand programs and promises, fueling corruption and debt. As agencies grow and the swamp deepens, the true builders of this unstable structure remain We the People...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The second reason I cheer is because our Founding Fathers recognized not only the failures of democracy, but the dangers they represent. As John Adams wrote: “Democracy… Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.”

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The debate over gun control intensifies as focus shifts from firearms to those who own them. With the Supreme Court set to hear multiple Second Amendment cases, the outcome could shape gun rights for years. From “gun-free zones” to armed staff in Texas schools, the clash between safety, freedom, and law continues to define America's future...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Crime in Washington, DC sparks President Trump's executive order granting federal control of law enforcement, a move possible due to the District's unique constitutional status. Rooted in Article I, Section 8, Clause 17, this authority highlights the tension between federal power and local governance, while other U.S. cities also struggle with turmoil and disorder...