Welcome to Facts Behind the Fiction
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are fiction, but there are LOTS of facts about Congress, the US Capitol, and civics in general packed in every chapter and every episode.
Read here for some of the FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION that you can use in your classroom.
Voter Turnout
During the last mid-term election in 2022, fewer than half of eligible voters - an embarrassing 46% - cast a ballot.
Papa’s Real-Life Inspiration is Running for Governor of California
The inspiration for Fina’s Papa is running for governor of California.
Partisanship: America’s Oldest Political Habit?
Back in 2022, the Pew Research Center found that 72% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats viewed the opposing party as more immoral than other Americans. That's a jump from 2016 when research found that just under half of Republicans and just over a third of Democrats felt that way.
Birds on the Hill: why Congress can invite animals (or anyone else) to a hearing
The right of Congress to hold briefings is not written into the Constitution, but it was brought up at the 1787 Constitutional Convention by delegate George Mason who insisted that members of Congress had “inquisitory powers.”
Who Runs Elections? Understanding the Constitutional Balance of Power
The Founding Fathers were worried about America being once again ruled by a king. It's the reason they created a balance of power between the executive branch, the legislature, and the courts.
A Short History of the Immigration Fight That Built—and Still Divides—America
Congress has been making immigration policies since 1790. Current immigration actions have come from the executive branch.
Government Shutdowns - a Short History
The U.S. Constitution requires Congress to appropriate the funds needed to pay for the activities of all three branches of the federal government.
This year, lawmakers failed to do so by the September 30th deadline, so the U.S. Government effectively shut its doors on October 1st.
It's not the first time this has happened.
CODEL: Are Taxpayers Picking up the Tab for Congressional Trips?
Where does Congress go when members leave town?
Politics Meets Pop Flies: The Congressional Baseball Game
It’s one of the few places Democrats and Republicans meet: the annual charity Congressional Baseball Game.
Is Everything Partisan in Congress?
Are there any issues that Democrats and Republicans can agree upon?
Poll Workers
Poll workers are the face of elections. They set up the polling station, greet voters, verify registrations and hand out blank ballots. They teach voters how to use the voting equipment and remind them to collect their "I voted" sticker.
I'll Never Run for Political Office
Fina doesn’t want to run for political office. She’s not alone.
Poop on the President
The fictitious president in Kitty Felde’s State of the Union isn’t the first president to have trouble with birds.
