A friendly Reminder

Do you really own your land, or are you merely permitted to use it under government rules? While property ownership is central to the American Dream, growing taxes, zoning laws, and regulations increasingly limit how owners may use their land. Using a local government effort to ban RVs as permanent housing, this article examines property rights, liberty, and due process—and asks whether ownership without control is ownership at all.

While doing research last week I came across a term that was new to me. The term is “menticide” which means “murdering of the mind.” According to the Oxford Dictionary, “menticide” is “The undermining or destruction of a person's mind or will, especially by systematic means… and is a characteristic activity of totalitarian regimes.” Totalitarian regimes historically achieve and maintain control over a population targeted for enslavement by means of menticide, which is accompl

Obstruction of Injustice is NOT a Crime by Jake MacAulay For two years we heard the drumbeat of “Collusion, Collusion” Now, we keep hearing the phrase “Obstruction of Justice.” I’m curious about this phrase and I think it deserves some examination.   “Obstruction of justice” is what they call a “process crime” and falls into the same category as “contempt of court,” and “perjury.”  These acts are prosecuted because they are considered to harm the public interest in the functi

Can a single district judge order everyone in the country to do something? What are the limits on the powers federal judges can exercise? While the case United State v. CASA is about birthright citizenship, the question before the court is how far does a district judge’s power extend. Birthright citizenship has been a very hot topic for the last few years. When Donald Trump signed an executive order that quoted both the Constitution of the United States and federal law, claim

Why do local governments care so much about how we build our homes? When are building permits constitutional, and when do they go too far? Are excessive permit fees a violation of the Takings Clause? In poker there’s a move called “Buying the pot.” This is when one person makes a very large bet in an attempt to discourage others from continuing the hand. But what if we’re not talking poker? What if we’re talking permit fees for the use of your own land? That is exactly what G

Join the Institute on the Constitution and Privacy Academy for two powerful November events focused on restoring liberty and protecting privacy. Learn the constitutional foundations of freedom with Larry Mayo on Nov. 13, then discover five practical steps to exit the surveillance state on Nov. 19. Together, these sessions connect timeless principles with modern tools to safeguard your rights—both online and off.

Are U.S. gun manufacturers to blame for Mexican drug cartels? Can Mexico sue U.S. gun manufacturers for the criminal use of their products? Does the Protection of the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act mean what it says? Cities and states have been trying to put gun manufacturers out of business for decades with frivolous lawsuits, blaming them for the criminal use of their products. This got to be such a problem that Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. No

It took more than 20 years, but the REAL ID Act of 2005 is finally being enforced. While several people have talked about the requirements for a REAL ID, and whether or not they even need one, I haven’t heard anyone ask one very important question: Is it legal?

The question of if and when parents should be allowed to opt their children out of certain activities and curriculum in public schools has been raging for quite a while. With our society’s rapidly changing standards, the need for parents to oversee and control the upbringing of their children has become even more important.

How many of you know about the Johnson Amendment? Because if you’ve ever donated to a church or other charity, you’ve been impacted by it. This limitation on freedom of speech has been in effect for over 70 years. Now the House of Representatives is trying to remedy this infringement.

Privacy versus safety has always been a constitutional tug-of-war. The case of Scholl and Bednarz v. Illinois State Police puts the issue front and center, questioning whether warrantless use of automatic license plate readers violates the Fourth Amendment. Are ALPRs a tool for security, or a dangerous step toward mass surveillance?

At IOTC, nothing compares to the impact of a live Constitution course—real conversations, face-to-face learning, and a stronger commitment to liberty. This fall, Delaware is set to host four in-person courses with certified instructors. Whether you're a student, parent, or community leader, these classes offer more than instruction—they equip you to defend and live out constitutional principles in your community.

Freedom is worth celebrating—and learning about. That’s why Institute on the Constitution Senior Instructor Larry Mayo is teaming up with the Sussex County GOP for a one-of-a-kind event that blends civic engagement with a festive end-of-summer atmosphere.

Explore the newest Supreme Court decision in Bondi v. Vanderstok and what it means for gun rights. Learn how redefinitions by the ATF may set precedents that dilute constitutional limits, blur legislative authority, and infringe on individual liberties.

Friday, August 29th, 2025 | 4–7 PM Sussex GOP HQ – 131 East Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 Freedom is worth celebrating—and learning about. That’s why Institute on the Constitution Senior Instructor Larry Mayo is teaming up with the Sussex County GOP for a one-of-a-kind event that blends civic engagement with a festive end-of-summer atmosphere. This Sip, Shop & Socialize isn’t your typical political gathering. Yes, you’ll meet local leaders and connect with like-minded c

Understanding how historical events shape modern governance helps unlock the secrets of our current political landscape. Tracing back the roots of today’s government systems reveals patterns and decisions made long ago. This connection between the past and present provides valuable insights, offering a clearer picture of why things function the way they do today. Learning American history can deepen one's understanding of governance, illustrating how foundational events impac

Since its founding in 1919 , the  Delaware State Fair  has celebrated everything that makes Delaware special— agriculture, family, faith, education, and community spirit . It’s the  largest and longest-running fair in Delmarva , lasting 10 days and powered by a board of 80 directors and hundreds of community volunteers. For the  Institute on the Constitution (IOTC) , it’s the perfect place to bring our message of  constitutional education, biblical principles, and civic respo

Understanding the separation of powers can sometimes feel like you're tackling a puzzle. This concept, a foundational element of American government, plays a crucial role in how our country operates. It's all about dividing responsibilities among different branches to ensure that no single group has all the power. For students in American Government Classes, getting a grip on this idea is key to understanding how democracy works here. Knowing how and why separation of powers

Next year is the semiquincentennial of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. What shall we do with the unique and special date in our history? Let’s look at the reasons why we declared independence from Great Britain. Next year with be the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Over the next 365 days I expect to see plenty of opportunities to remember the date. I want to start by remembering the reason why we declared independence in

Starting a grassroots movement can feel like an uphill battle, especially when resources are stretched thin. Often driven by passion and fueled by a desire for change, grassroots activism thrives at the community level. Whether it's advocating for environmental policies, social justice, or educational reforms, these movements rely heavily on the dedication of individuals who are committed to making a difference. However, getting a grassroots movement off the ground with limit