Civics U: Civic Education for All
The Declaration of The People, adopted by the first National Assembly of The People in 2019 in Washington, D.C., included these two statements:
“We can no longer accept:
The decline of civic education, which has led to a disparity between claiming the benefits and taking on the responsibilities of citizenship.
The absence of civic education which results in an electorate that is unprepared to take on the fundamental tasks of a democracy.”
The Annenberg Public Policy Center’s survey on civic knowledge reported that barely half of American adults can name all three branches of government. And Ron Christie, member of the Arizona State University School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership Board of Counselors, argues that “One cause of America’s polarization is inadequate civic education – understanding the ideals that make us one out of many….we need greater awareness of our history, our principles, and the need to be civic friends and constructive debaters about our public affairs.” I agree with Christie. We seem to have grown apart rather than together as a nation, and people are disturbed by this polarization.
Therefore, I appreciate the invitation to write a column for the Newsletter on civics and civic education topics. Civic education is very very broad and includes the content of traditional classes in American history and government, and even parts of economics, philosophy, theology, education, …, and more.
So my intent is to simply offer a series of articles on a variety of topics to stimulate reflection on these topics and to support civic education generally. I hope that even when the content is familiar, it may help readers to consider these things anew.
An understanding of the American system and heritage begins with an understanding of its development in history. I will deal with some of that later. But for starters let’s just review the purpose and function of civic education – namely that:
The purpose of civic education is to provide civic knowledge and skills that empower and enable citizens to engage in democratic processes in their communities and country. This includes knowledge of and commitment to one’s own and others’ rights and responsibilities. Further, the function of providing civic education to each individual is to preserve and sustain the principles and practices of American democracy for all.
Now what topics might be addressed in coming articles? Well, here are some random examples, both broad and narrow – but I may choose others as the spirit moves.
What is the role of government
Formation of country/Articles of Federation/Constitution
Representative government
Why are there two houses of Congress
Government(s) budgets and taxes
Practical citizenship
How does legislation begin/happen//How to initiate legislation
What is a party precinct
How does an open primary work
Majority rights, minority rights, individual rights, indigenous rights, civil rights
Engagement/participation at all levels, local, state, national
If you have specific topics that you would like to see addressed in this recurring column, please email info@ThePeople.org with your suggestions.