---
title: CIVICVS Preamble
slug: /overview/preamble
category: overview
tags: [framework, preamble]
draft: false
sidebar_label: Preamble
sidebar_position: 1
---

# CIVICVS — Preamble

**CIVICVS** derives from the Latin *civis* — *citizen*.  
In classical inscriptions, Latin had no lowercase letters, and the character **V** carried the sound of both “U” and “V.”  

Thus, the historically authentic rendering is **CIVICVS**, while the domain name `civicus.us` reflects the modern, anglicized form.

This distinction illustrates the practice of a **Civic Analyst**:

- **Start with the record** as it truly is, not as we wish it to be.  
- Respect **linguistic and historical accuracy**, while also recognizing modern conventions.  
- Make the **reasoning process transparent**, so every choice can be explained and audited.  

---

## Purpose

The purpose of CIVICVS is the **defense and restoration of civic knowledge** by establishing a new professional role, complementary to journalism: the **Civic Analyst**.

- Journalism often emphasizes speed, narrative, and credentialism.  
- The Civic Analyst emphasizes **context, authenticity, and independence**.  

---

## Three Bedrock Commitments

1. **Context over Narrative**  
   Evidence without context devolves into propaganda.  
   The Civic Analyst situates every claim with the context required to interpret it fairly.

2. **Authenticity over Credentialism**  
   Truth is not validated by credentials alone.  
   The Civic Analyst examines the record itself, regardless of status or institution.

3. **Independence over Alignment**  
   Independence safeguards against capture.  
   The Civic Analyst resists partisanship, remaining accountable only to the civic record.

---

*This Preamble sets the foundation: CIVICVS is both a framework for machines and a compass for humans, guiding how we record, interpret, and defend civic knowledge.*