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10 Things About the U.S. Constitution That People Seem to Forget

The U.S. Constitution is the foundation of American democracy, outlining the rights and freedoms of its citizens. However, in today’s fast-paced world, some of these rights are often overlooked or misunderstood. Recent events and court decisions have brought several constitutional principles back into the spotlight, reminding us of their importance. Understanding these rights is crucial for every citizen. They not only protect individual freedoms but also ensure that the government operates within its limits. Here’s a list of ten constitutional rights and principles that deserve more attention: 1. Freedom of Religion Includes Limits on Government Funding The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the government from establishing a religion. In May 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court reached a 4-4 deadlock in a case involving Oklahoma’s attempt to fund a Catholic charter school with taxpayer money. This tie left in place a lower court’s decision blocking the funding, reinforcing the principle that public funds should not support religious institutions. 2. Free Speech Protects Political Expression The First Amendment also protects freedom of speech, including political opinions. In May 2025, the Supreme Court reinstated the voting rights of Maine Representative Laurel Libby after she was suspended for a controversial Facebook post. The Court’s decision emphasized that elected officials have the right to express their views without facing punitive actions that infringe upon their constitutional rights. 3. Due Process Applies to Everyone, Including Noncitizens The Fifth Amendment ensures that no person is deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. In May 2025, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, sending the case back to a lower court to review whether the migrants received adequate notice and a fair hearing. This action highlights that due process protections apply to all individuals in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. 4. Equal Protection Means Fair Treatment Under the Law The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection of the laws to all persons. In a 2025 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that individuals who win preliminary injunctions in civil rights cases are not automatically entitled to recover legal fees. This decision has raised concerns about access to justice and the potential chilling effect on individuals seeking to challenge discriminatory laws. 5. Marriage Rights Do Not Guarantee Spousal Immigration While the Constitution recognizes the right to marry, it does not guarantee that a U.S. citizen’s noncitizen spouse can enter the country. In June 2024, the Supreme Court held that the government could deny a visa to a noncitizen spouse without violating the citizen’s constitutional rights, emphasizing the government’s broad authority over immigration matters. 6. States Cannot Disqualify Federal Candidates The Constitution outlines the qualifications for federal office, and states cannot impose additional requirements. In March 2024, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that states do not have the authority to disqualify federal candidates under the Fourteenth Amendment’s insurrection clause without congressional action. This decision reaffirmed the federal government’s exclusive role in determining eligibility for federal office. 7. Freedom of Speech Includes the Right Not to Speak The First Amendment protects individuals from being compelled to express messages they disagree with. In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a website designer who refused to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, holding that the state could not force her to convey messages that conflicted with her beliefs. 8. Gun Rights Are Subject to Regulation The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, but this right is not absolute. In June 2024, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on bump stocks, ruling that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives exceeded its authority. However, the Court’s decision emphasized that regulatory measures must align with statutory definitions and legislative intent. 9. Congress Controls Federal Spending The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, meaning only Congress can authorize federal spending. In early 2025, legal experts criticized an executive order that indefinitely paused federal funding, arguing that the president cannot unilaterally alter spending decisions made by Congress. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining the separation of powers. 10. The Constitution Applies to Modern Technologies As technology evolves, so does the interpretation of constitutional rights. In 2025, the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok in the U.S., citing national security concerns. While the decision focused on foreign ownership issues, it raised questions about how First Amendment protections apply to digital platforms and the extent of government regulation over online speech.

Ranking the 5 Most Heart-Touching Moments in MLB History

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Baseball is more than just stats and scores, it’s a game full of emotion, resilience, and humanity. Over the decades, MLB has delivered moments that made fans cry, cheer, and reflect. Here are five unforgettable heart-touching moments that show why baseball is called America’s pastime. 5. Cal Ripken Jr.’s Consecutive Games Streak Celebration (1995) When Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s record by playing in his 2,131st consecutive game. The crowd refused to stop cheering. For over 22 minutes, the fans stood and applauded as Ripken took a victory lap around Camden Yards. It wasn’t just about durability, it was about integrity, work ethic, and love for the game. 4. José Fernández Tribute Game (2016) Just days after Marlins pitcher José Fernández tragically died in a boating accident, his teammates honored him in the most powerful way. Every player wore his No. 16 jersey, and in a poetic twist, Dee Gordon hit his first home run of the season, tears streaming down his face as he rounded the bases. It was raw, real, and unforgettable. 3. Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. Hit Back-to-Back Home Runs (1990) The Griffey father-son duo created magic when they hit back-to-back homers for the Mariners, becoming the first father and son to do so in MLB history. The moment transcended stats and records. It was a reminder of baseball’s deep generational ties and the special bond it can create within families. 2. Mike Piazza’s Home Run After 9/11 (2001) In the first professional sporting event in New York after the 9/11 attacks, Mets star Mike Piazza delivered a cathartic blast. His go-ahead home run in the eighth inning against the Braves brought a grieving city to its feet and became a symbol of resilience and healing for the entire nation. 1. Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech (1939) No moment in MLB history has ever hit as hard emotionally as Lou Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” speech. Diagnosed with ALS, Gehrig stood before a packed Yankee Stadium on July 4th, 1939, and delivered a farewell that brought tears to millions. His grace and humility in the face of a fatal disease turned him into a legend far beyond baseball. These moments go beyond home runs and strikeouts, they remind us why we love baseball. They’re about courage, unity, legacy, and humanity, showing that the diamond often reflects the best of the human spirit. These five stories live on not just in highlight reels, but in the hearts of fans forever.