What Is Civic Literacy?
Educating for Democracy: What Is Civic Literacy? Remarks by Rep. Lee H. Hamilton I.
Concerns About Civic Literacy There is good reason for us to be concerned – deeply concerned – about civic literacy. Too many Americans lack a basic understanding of: -‐
the core institutions in our representative democracy;
-‐
our debt to our ancestors who established those institutions;
-‐
and our responsibilities to teach our descendants about those institutions.
There is a sense, particularly among many younger folks, that being an American citizen is no big deal; no obligation attaches to it; it’s an endeavor not particularly worthy of their time and talent. Too many Americans think that citizenship is hollow. An apathetic, passive, and cynical view about our democracy will invite leaders who abuse power. There is an old observation: “A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves.” If Americans increasingly disengage — if more and more Americans are less and less interested in civic responsibility — then the entire American democratic enterprise is at risk, and the country simply will not work. II. Strengthening Our Civic Skills So, we must strengthen our civic skills.
Concerns About Civic Literacy There is good reason for us to be concerned – deeply concerned – about civic literacy. Too many Americans lack a basic understanding of: -‐
the core institutions in our representative democracy;
-‐
our debt to our ancestors who established those institutions;
-‐
and our responsibilities to teach our descendants about those institutions.
There is a sense, particularly among many younger folks, that being an American citizen is no big deal; no obligation attaches to it; it’s an endeavor not particularly worthy of their time and talent. Too many Americans think that citizenship is hollow. An apathetic, passive, and cynical view about our democracy will invite leaders who abuse power. There is an old observation: “A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves.” If Americans increasingly disengage — if more and more Americans are less and less interested in civic responsibility — then the entire American democratic enterprise is at risk, and the country simply will not work. II. Strengthening Our Civic Skills So, we must strengthen our civic skills.