THE CONSTITUTION STUDY
America Out Loud Network © – The goal of this program is to help everyday people defend their rights by reading, studying, and understanding the supreme law of the land, the Constitution of the United States of America.
Courts, rather than representatives, govern our lives
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The Supreme Court may be in recess for three months, but technically, the job never stops. Today, I want to examine some recent work that the Supreme Court has been doing, illustrating just how much courts, rather than representatives, govern our lives. For example, it was the Supreme Court that recently cleared the judicial hurdles to the...
When what we know just isn’t so: Myths in politics and media
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – So much of what people claim as truth just isn’t so. I explore how misinformation spreads, using recent examples from public figures like Adam Schiff and AOC. From tariffs to Medicaid and protests, I show how what we “know” can be dangerously wrong. Trust, but verify—and question what passes for common knowledge in today’s media landscape...
The tragedy whores are out in Texas
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The only thing more heartbreaking than the news coming out of the Texas flood is the disgusting politicians dancing on the devastated lives of the survivors for their own political gain. Personally, I think I’d rather have a tick than associate with such twisted and disgusting examples of the worst of humanity. We often make fun of...
Activism! The good, the bad, and the ugly
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Because activism can be in support of good causes, such as freedom and liberty, or for evil causes, like attacking law enforcement, activism can be conducted legally, through peaceful protests, or illegally, through violent demonstrations. Do you have a positive or negative view of activists? Does it depend on the goal of the activism?
Political shell game
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – In this episode of The Constitution Study, I reveal how politics and media use misdirection—just like a shell game—to hide the truth from the American people. From deceptive news reports to political sleight of hand, I explore how these tactics shape public perception and what you can do to see through the distractions and find the real objective...
Debate the policy, not the political party or person
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Modern presidential debates have become more about spectacle than substance. I question policies by asking whether they’re constitutionally sound, rather than following party lines or personalities. By debating the actual powers granted to the government, I seek truth and clarity in evaluating issues like border security and federal laws, always prioritizing the Constitution as my guiding...
American history that is rarely, if ever, taught in school
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Like the fact that only two men signed the Declaration on July 4th, 1776. That the lower case “u” in the united States was not an accident. That the Declaration created not one country, but thirteen. And that, while the lofty goal of Thomas Jefferson, the recognition that all men are created equal, has not yet been reached, it is more widespread and...
An avalanche of SCOTUS decisions
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Every year, at the end of June, the Supreme Court goes on summer recess. Just before they leave, they like to drop their most important and controversial decisions on the American people. This year is not different. For example, can District Court Justices issue nationwide injunctions? Can parents demand the opportunity to opt their children out of certain public school content?
Be careful what you wish for
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Ever wish for something, only to regret it once it arrives? I explore how our desires can backfire, from disappointing Christmas gifts to bigger issues like immigration and politics. Using real examples, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Joe Biden, I reflect on the timeless warning: be careful what you wish for—you just might get it...
Correcting errors to political activism
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – When mistakes happen in politics, the best solution is swift correction—sometimes by electing new leaders, sometimes by holding current ones accountable. From FBI revelations to controversial policies and disputed signatures, recent events raise questions: Are errors being fixed, or is it just politics as usual? What does it mean for democracy and everyday Americans...
Who is supposed to rein in rogue judges?
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Many people have been complaining about rogue judges lately. Some people are asking why the Supreme Court doesn’t take action against them. This leads me to something I say quite often, “it’s not what you don’t know, but what you know that just ain’t so that really bites you in the backside.” Not only does the Supreme Court lack the legal authority to rein in...
Live by the court, die by the court
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Exploring the adage “live by the sword, die by the sword,” this piece examines Americans’ shifting reliance on courts to secure rights—and how the same tribunals can curtail them. From recent California’s climate and gun rulings to Louisiana’s First Amendment missteps and Tennessee’s adherence to constitutional language, it highlights a justice worried about ideological decision-making...
How many government agents does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Ronald Reagan said, “A government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll see on this earth.” Almost as sure as the eternal existence of a government bureau is the likelihood that they’ll screw things up. Let’s face it, governments tend to screw up just about everything they touch. I say just about because, if government screwed up everything it touches it would...
State powers questioned in federal courts
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Like the Nuns in New York who are suing the state for requiring them to provide abortion in their employee healthcare. Or the case where the United States sued the State of Tennessee for banning sexual identity procedures on minors. Or the right of the States of Oklahoma and Utah to have their case against the EPA heard in their Circuit Court rather than...
The Iranian attack and its aftermath
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Analysis of the recent American B-2 bomber strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, exploring claims of destroyed facilities, disputed material relocations, and geopolitical fallout. Unpacking Washington’s decision bypassing Congressional consultation, reactions from lawmakers including calls for impeachment under the War Powers Act, and Tehran’s declaration that all retaliatory options remain...
What you support says a lot about you
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – What you choose to support reveals your values, beliefs, and limits. From political endorsements and policy stances to civic actions and social movements, every decision signals who you are. Exploring recent news events—from legislation and protests to electoral outcomes—offers insight into the moral fabric and priorities of diverse communities nationwide...
Suppressing the truth
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Why do so many people hide reality, despite Jesus’s promise that truth frees us? This discussion examines instances of concealed truths—from the quiet release of a puberty blocker study after disappointing results, to politicians spreading lies about firearm silencers and gender privacy in locker rooms—highlighting the stakes of suppressing facts in faith, health, and culture...
Our complicated relationship with law enforcement
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Have you ever considered just how complicated our relationship with law enforcement really is? We want them around when something goes wrong, but not when we’re doing something wrong. We want them to enforce the law against others, but to show mercy to us. We need someone to enforce the laws, then complain when they do so...
The consequences of your vote will impact your family
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The outcome of elections not only determines who holds office but also the policies that are promoted, the laws that are passed, and whether or not those laws are enforced. So, whether you take your civic duty to vote seriously or not, elections have consequences. While this can be seen in the LA riots, which are not spreading to other...
Battle of Bunker Hill 250 years later
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Two hundred fifty years after the Battle of Bunker Hill, Americans commemorate a pivotal moment in history even as fresh unrest erupts in major cities. Los Angeles faces ongoing riots under FBI and LAPD scrutiny, probing potential conspiracies. Meanwhile, reports surface of a Chinese national seeking dangerous biological materials, raising alarming security questions and tensions...
Remembering our flag and the Republic for which it stands
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Did you forget Flag Day? I almost did. So I wanted to take some time today to remember the adoption of our nation’s first flag, and to pledge allegiance to both it and the Republic for which it stands. Perhaps remembering our flag and the republic for which it stands will help us navigate the troubled waters of our lawless actions and...
SCOTUS dump
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – I unpack the Supreme Court’s early summer rulings in this data dump, focusing on three pivotal decisions and spotlighting two explosive news items heading toward litigation. This annual “silly season” delivers legal drama and truly landmark verdicts, and I guide readers through these initial opinions while previewing the bombshell cases that loom on the horizon...
Resolving past ills
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Debate over presidential power intensifies as one administration attempts to reverse its predecessor’s directives through executive orders while courts intervene at every turn. From transgender healthcare guidance to immigration protections, legal battles unfold in lower courts and reach SCOTUS. This exploration examines separation of powers, authority limits, and the judiciary’s role in...
Who are you going to believe, the media or your lying eyes?
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Seeing is believing, right? Not according to many in the corporate media or politicians. They keep telling us to ignore our “lying eyes” and believe what they say. This is why the first founding principle of The Constitution Study is, “It’s only an opinion unless there’s proof.” So, when multiple “news” outlets claim the riots in LA are just “peaceful protests” or...
What to do about government overreach
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Did the people of Newark consent to a mayor who tried to illegally enter an ICE facility? Do the people of Maine consent to their legislators trying to pass a “red flag” law? Do the people of Texas and Tennessee consent to what’s being taught in the taxpayer-funded universities? If the just powers of government are limited to our consent...
Night after night, the rioting and burning continue
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – LA Mayor Bass and other officials initially denied the assistance of LAPD, forcing ICE to call on the FBI for assistance. As the riots grew, President Donald Trump sent in the National Guard, which only made Governor Newsom mad. Night after night, the rioting and burning continue. What does this say about the citizens of LA...
Constitutional showdowns over guns and sanctuary cities
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Exploring recent Supreme Court decisions on Maryland and Rhode Island gun regulations, this piece examines dissenting opinions by Justices Kavanaugh and Thomas that challenge lower court reasoning and question adherence to the Supremacy Clause. It also delves into federal clashes with sanctuary cities over illegal immigrant policies, highlighting constitutional tensions shaping...
“May you live in interesting times”…does not paint the whole picture
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – While the times have been interesting, they are also becoming dangerous, not from some Hitleresque tyrant in the Oval Office, but from those who are afraid of him. Today, the times are not just interesting, but dangerous. The danger isn’t coming from some tyrant in D.C., but from those whose fear of them goes beyond the irrational...
State and local government can impact your life more than the Feds
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – With everyone focused on what Donald Trump or the federal courts will do next, it’s easy to forget that our states have governments, and what they do can have even more impact on our lives than the Feds. If we are to be constitutionally sound citizens, we need to keep an eye on our state and local governments as much, if not more, than...
Government excesses
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Federal government has exceeded its constitutional limits, assuming powers not delegated such as regulating healthcare and influencing elections. Agencies like the FDA and CDC operate beyond original intent, and states rely on federal funds while ceding authority. Recent excessive loans, grants, and continued executive overreach reveal significant moral and financial costs of unchecked...
The cost of our ignorance
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Our collective ignorance costs not just money but liberties. Unnecessary Texas constitutional amendments, New York’s dispute with federal over road control, and compulsory union fees illustrate how federal overreach infringes individual rights. Powers assumed by Washington exceed consent, robbing citizens of freedoms. Recognizing these hidden costs is crucial to protect liberty and hold...
The legal swamp is so much worse!
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Donald Trump’s “Swamp” refers to federal bureaucracy, but a deeper “Legal Swamp” entangles Americans daily. Bureaucrats draft quasi-laws, judges enforce them, lawyers exploit them, and legal system insiders pervert justice. This insidious network far exceeds the D.C. Swamp’s reach, subverting law and fairness while impacting lives through unchecked regulatory and judicial power...
Higher prices due to burdensome and unconstitutional regulations
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – The one thing most Americans don’t consider is who is responsible? Who is supposed to keep the cost of government both reasonable and legal? Who’s responsible for keeping the federal government within its legally enumerated powers? Why Congress, of course...
SCOTUS term confirms we are living in interesting times
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – As the end of another Supreme Court term approaches, we’re seeing some of the more important decisions being published. This should continue through the end of June, when the justices go on vacation. As we examine these decisions, I hope to see a pattern emerge that will restore the...
Outrageous federal actions
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Few issues inflame the public more than government overreach and opaque federal maneuvers. While frustration at bureaucratic power is nothing new, it highlights our collective disengagement. Reflecting on policies that provoke outrage can spark proactive civic involvement. By examining federal actions that rile us and exploring avenues for change, we reclaim our role in democracy.
Evil means lead to evil ends
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – I often examine how white lies, secrets, and political maneuvers fail to yield lasting positive outcomes. Hatred and resentment morph into threats, violence, and even terror attacks. When we employ evil methods believing noble goals justify wrongdoing, we instead perpetuate harm, inevitably fueling more destructive ends and revealing that means corrupt the outcomes we seek.
What recent SCOTUS decisions mean for the rest of us
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – With over 40 nationwide injunctions issued since Trump took office, many people are looking to the Supreme Court to help clean up this mess. The idea of these nationwide injunctions, along with Birthright citizenship, was the topic of oral arguments in the recent case United States v. CASA. But that is just one of several recent decisions by the top court in the land...
Searching for truth in a sea of opinion
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Recently, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments involving Trump's birthright citizenship executive order. Do you know the truth behind this idea? Nashville has been dealing with ICE raids, collecting almost 200 illegal aliens. Are you aware of the facts behind these raids, and what those who are challenging them appear to actually be supporting?
Pot meets kettle
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Satirical hypocrisy abounds as critics condemn alleged insurrection on one hand while defending similar actions by allies. States sue the administration over misappropriated funds. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court weighs challenges to an executive order reinstating vital constitutional language. Such partisan double standards jeopardize civil rights, fundamental liberties, and public trust.
The constitutionality or not of swamp draining
The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – I call it a good start. Not that everything they’ve done is constitutional, but what they have done is but a drop in the bucket of what we need to do for us to be the land of the free. It’s not just the executive branch but also those in the legislative branch. And as much as we’ve heard about the judiciary impeding progress, there are cases where the courts have...