Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day

Today is election day, 2008! What a privilege to be able to go to the polls without fear of being hurt or killed for our individual beliefs.

I took a break from traditional schooling today to teach my kids about the election process. We do a little reading and then make a hands on craft to put into a "lap book". Hopefully when we're done they will have something to keep and refer back to for years to come. If you don't feel like being creative, I highly recommend buying a pre-made kit from "In The Hands of A Child".

While we were studying, I discovered something that I had overlooked. I've always called our country a Democracy, but that's not true! In fact, it is a Republic Nation. Let me explain:

The founding fathers and framers of the Constitution were completely opposed to our country being a Democracy. Here are the definitions:

Democracy - People do have the right to elect their leaders, but power is given to the government to to grant and remove privileges from the people without their consent.

Republic - A Republic protects the rights of its citizens and elected leaders may not pass laws removing those rights without consent from the people. In a Republic, the government is all about protecting our rights.

Of course, there are more differences but this is it in a nutshell. Our founding fathers held firmly to the belief that people have certain inalienable rights, not privileges, given to them by their Creator. This is why we live in a Republic, not a Democracy!

Ladies, what year did it become legal for women to vote?

The answer is on the comment page! :)

If you haven't done so, GO VOTE!! It's a privilege and right that was brought about through much pain and toil.

10 comments:

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Hey ladies! Ok, in 1920 the 19th Amendment passed allowing women the right to vote!

Let's use that right today! We have a voice, too!!

Love you all!
Sonya

Bonita said...

I knew our country was a republic because I have a good friend who is a third grade teacher and a sold out, wild woman history buff. However, I didn't know the actual definition of a republic. Sounds like my kind of place!

Shawn said...

Hi Sonya! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Amen and amen to your post. It is our PRIVILEGE to vote! Blessings to you! Shawn

Kelly said...

I voted! I was in and out with no waiting!! My oldest came in with me to watch the process (as part of her "homework.") A good day - although rainy!

Julie Gillies said...

I voted this morning along with my 19-year old son who voted for the very first time! Like Kelly, we were in and out without waiting here in Florida.

Hey - did you get a haircut? I like your new profile picture - you look so pretty!

Oh, and thanks for your encouraging words.

Leaon Mary said...

Hi Sonya,
I voted too! It IS a privilege to vote! And I think it's neat that you and the kids learned about thee election today. I'd like to see pics of the lapbook yall made!
Love your blog name Truth 4 the journey. And the colors of your blog are beautiful! Like thee others, I think your profile picture is adorable!
Blessings Sonya!
Lea
ps.. I'm so smiling at your youngest: Tiffany copying her Mummy! ;) Very sweet!
They ARE all unique and wonderful and I'm with you... and magnify God in that!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Sonya, Great post! and so true. Women before 1920 made huge sacrifices to gain the power to vote. I voted early!!

Thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments. So nice to see you again.
Blessings always, Celestina
la rea rose

momstheword said...

Sonya, I voted today, along with my 19 yr old son who was so happy to be voting for the first time. How thankful my husband and I are that he takes it so seriously. And your husband, how precious that he takes your daughters on dates! Yes, he is setting the stage and it will pay off in big dividends throughout their lives. The nice thing is, it's really never to late to show that you love them, even when they're grown. That's what my dad had to do to redeem the time with my brother and repair their relationship.

The Equipped Life said...

"and to the republic, for which it stands...."

What an interesting little tidbit. Thanks for the History/Language? lesson.

Edie said...

I was admiring your new photo too! :)

I didn't know that. Thanks for the lesson. Now that I know the definition, I hope we're not about to become a Democracy.