Why We Should Pay Attention in Civics

Without civics education, the United States would never have produced important historical leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert F. Kennedy, or Rosa Parks. The election of Barack Obama, while a symbol of America’s diversity and progress since the days of Jim Crow, is also a clarion call for Americans of all political persuasions along all points on the political spectrum. It is too easy to become complacent, thinking we have achieved our goal of equality with a black president, while abuses of power, unfair legislation, and misinformation act as distortions of America’s democracy. Civics education is the first defense against the erosion of that democracy.

The answer is not always to throw more money at the problem. Grassroots political involvement is the bedrock that supports increased civic awareness. Members of the American electorate can and should demonstrate for their children what it means to be an American by being involved in politics and government. By becoming part of the legislative process, young people can see that government is an admirable vocation and not something to be feared. If students of Civics know they have the right to criticize government without fear of retribution, the may feel a level of ownership that calls them to improve it.

Source citation and further reading:

OBrien, Anne, “Let’s Bring Civic Education to the Front Burner,” Available: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/civic-education-high-priority-anne-obrien, 2010. 

Walker, Chris, “Boehner confuses Constitution with Declaration, and grievances within document to current events.” Available: http://www.examiner.com/liberal-in-madison/boehner-confuses-constitution-with-declaration-and-grievances-within-document-to-current-events, 2009.

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