Ann LeBlanc Archives - Excelsior Classes

What is the “No Religious Test” Clause of the Constitution and Why is it Important?

Feb 7, 2021 | Ann LeBlanc, Engaging Education

Religious liberty is something we take for granted as Americans. Not so long ago I sat in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, Scotland and contemplated the importance of religious liberty to me. I imagined sitting in the cathedral at a time when Catholics were...

What is an Executive Order and What Does it Do?

Jan 29, 2020 | Ann LeBlanc, Rigorous Courses

For those of you who follow politics, it seems the term “executive order” has been heard often over the last several years. Whether executive orders are authorized by the Constitution and how many executive orders have been issued by a presidential administration are...

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Was God Present in the Forming of Our Nation?

Jul 17, 2019 | Ann LeBlanc, Christian Worldview

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: The Declaration of Independence “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...

How Does a Bill Become a Law: The Legislative Process

Mar 29, 2018 | Ann LeBlanc, Engaging Education

Have you ever wondered about the steps of the legislative process? Maybe you’ve even asked yourself how a bill becomes a law? The legislative process is an important aspect of our American governmental system and an area that my American Government course with...

Why is Critical Thinking Important in Studying American Government?

Jan 8, 2018 | Ann LeBlanc, Rigorous Courses

Have you ever wondered if certain governmental actions reach beyond the Constitution? Maybe you’ve even wondered what our Founding Fathers really intended when they drafted certain provisions of the Constitution. If these thoughts have crossed your mind, maybe...

What Is The Electoral College and Does It Reflect The Popular Vote of The People?

Jul 26, 2017 | Ann LeBlanc, Rigorous Courses

If you examine Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, you will not find the words “Electoral College” anywhere. Rather, you will find the system by which states appoint representatives, or “Electors,” to choose the President of the United States. Each...