To be knowledgeable voters and citizens, it’s important that Americans know how their government works. They need to know the role of Congress, the courts, the executive branch and what duties fall to the federal, state and local levels of government.
This past week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proposed a bigger focus on civics education in public schools. He wants to establish the Governor’s Civics Instructional Seal to support and recognize those schools that prioritize teaching our nation’s history and civic value.
The teaching of civics is extremely important in having an informed citizenry, who are electing their leaders based upon a knowledge of how government works. It cannot be left to chance.
James Madison, “Father of the United States Constitution” and our fourth president, wrote, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” There can be no more honest assessment of the need for civic education!
In Madison’s time America was a struggling new democracy so education, especially civic education, was vital to the survival of our freedom. However, the need is as great, maybe greater, today with national exam results showing a large percentage of students scoring only at the “basic” level, meaning just partial mastery of the subject of civics.
Informed citizens are much more likely to vote and to take part in their government. They are more likely to run for office, serve in the military, be community volunteers and give input when there is debate over issues. Some confuse the teaching of civics with the teaching of patriotism. What is hoped is that by teaching about the freedoms in America, about the Constitution, about how Americans get to elect their representatives, about the heroes of the past who have served the country and about the many who gave their lives for it, that a feeling of patriotism would grow in a person. Americans should be proud of their country and the freedoms and principles for which it stands.
According to the National Education Association, all 50 states require some form of instruction in civics and/or government, and nearly 90 percent of students take at least one civics class. But too often, factual book learning is not reinforced with experience-based learning opportunities like community service, guided debates, critical discussion of current events, and simulations of democratic processes.
Right now, students’ civic education may involve world events and perhaps some federal government issues, but often glosses over how government works at the state or local level. Some schools put emphasis on civic education more than others.
Every classroom should incorporate discussion of current local, national, and international issues in the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
Gov. Lee’s recognition of the importance of teaching civics comes on the heels of a mid-term election marked by “fake news,” gerrymandered districts, close contests that demanded recounts, and claims of voter fraud and suppression. The teaching of civics is urgently needed so that students are prepared to understand and participate in an increasingly complicated electoral system.
Government of the U.S. hasn’t always been perfect and there have been mistakes. There certainly have been, in particular slavery and the treatment of Native Americans. Today, we are still fighting the Civil War. What happens today is going to affect our students and shape their thinking as leaders of the future. They need to be prepared to live and govern in a land that is torn by differences.