A friendly Reminder

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, we’re reminded of the bold vision our Founders had for America—a vision rooted in truth, liberty, and unalienable rights endowed by our Creator. In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 , we’re excited to announce a brand-new course: USA 250 – The Declaration of Independence Mini-Course Created by IOTC President Larry Mayo , this course is more than a history lesson—it’s a journey through the very

Teaching about the Constitution is an essential part of understanding the foundation of governance and civic responsibility. Among the tools available for educators are the IOTC Instructor Kits. These kits are specially designed to help instructors effectively convey the principles of the Constitution in an engaging and understandable way. But with different kits available, how do you select the right one to match your teaching style? Choosing the right IOTC Instructor Kit me

Understanding the U.S. Constitution is like grasping the manual for our society. It lays out the rules for how America operates, much like a set of instructions that keep everything running smoothly.  At its core, the Constitution protects the freedoms we often take for granted and ensures a balance of power within the government. Having a firm handle on this document empowers individuals to engage effectively with civic life and make informed decisions, whether voting in ele

Understanding the U.S. Constitution might seem like a huge task, but it's a lot like learning the rules of your favorite game. Just like knowing how a game works can make playing it way more fun, understanding the Constitution helps us see how our government works and how it affects us every day. It's packed with important ideas that keep things running smoothly and protect our freedom. This article will take a closer look at these ideas, making them easier to grasp so everyo

Time management can be a tricky hurdle, especially in American Government classes where there’s so much to cover. These classes are packed with important topics, from historic documents to the workings of government. Learning how to manage time effectively makes spreading that knowledge easier for both teachers and students. It ensures that no topic is skimmed over and everyone gets a fair shot at understanding the subject deeply. When both teachers and students master time m

One of the most persistent and misleading assumptions in modern political discourse is that America is a democracy. But this was never the vision of our Founders.

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. Modern political discourse often assumes that nations, including the United State

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. Sometimes, truth comes not from a podium or press release—but from a quiet, heart

Have you ever felt uncertain about your rights in everyday situations? Understanding practical constitutional defense techniques can empower you to stand up for yourself with confidence. Learning these skills doesn’t mean diving into complex legal texts; it's about knowing how to assert your rights day-to-day. By learning a few key techniques, you can protect yourself and stay informed about what you’re entitled to under the law. Imagine being stopped unexpectedly and not kno

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. In 1948, cartoonist Walt Kelly gave voice to a swamp-dwelling possum named Pogo,

Memorial Day is when we as a nation honor those who died in the service of their country. Memorial Day has become the beginning of the summer season. Don’t we owe those who gave the last full measure of devotion more than parades and cookouts? See the full video on Monday.  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happi

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. In recent decades, a growing number of voices in public discourse have questioned

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. In this edition, we revisit the powerful words of Thomas Paine, whose plainspoken

by Paul Engel   Summary Memorial Day started as Decoration Day when cities and towns began decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers each spring. Many Americans will enjoy parades and cookouts, but is that all this day has become? How will you honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion to their country? Memorial day is the day the American people set aside to honor those who gave their lives fighting for us. Whether you plan to go to a parade, place flowers on a

Sometimes life gets in the way, and that can happen with studying the Constitution too. The good news is, it's never too late to get back on track. With some simple strategies, you can pick up the pace and feel confident in your understanding of this crucial material.

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. In this edition, we revisit Peroutka’s powerful warning sparked by a 2014 controv

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. In this edition, we revisit Peroutka’s bold response to proposed “hate crime” leg

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’ve created Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. These timeless messages encourage us to reflect on who we are as a nation and the principles that define true liberty. In this edition, we revisit Peroutka’s remarks from a rally held in support of Ki

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’re introducing Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. In these timeless clips, Michael reminds us that a strong cultural foundation is just as essential as the foundation of any building. Without it, our American constitutional structure is at risk o

Does your state have a “duty to inform” law? Many point to a violation of the Second Amendment. Did you realize these laws violate the Fourth and Fifth Amendments as well? As a lifelong gun owner, I understand the awesome responsibility of owning a weapon. After getting my concealed carry license many years ago, I came to understand the great responsibility of having a deadly weapon on my person. Now, as a constitutional scholar, I’ve come to realize just how badly states are