Civics for Democracy
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To strengthen democracy in the United States, we must understand the systems of government, politics and the media. And civics literacy is crucial if our nation is to achieve an inclusive, multiracial democracy. The resources in this series can help to develop the civic knowledge, skills and dispositions essential for responsible democratic action.

Lee Anne Bell, professor emerita at Columbia University, offers the following definitions:

  • Civic knowledge entails understanding how our political system works and knowing our political and civic rights and responsibilities—such as the right to vote and run for public office and our responsibility to respect the rights and interests of others.
  • Civic skills include the ability to analyze and evaluate issues so we can thoughtfully articulate and defend positions on topics that matter to us. Civic skills enable us to participate in public processes such as monitoring government performance and mobilizing with others around issues of collective concern.
  • Civic dispositions—such as public-spiritedness; critical-mindedness; and the willingness to listen, learn from, negotiate and compromise with others—are the basis for participating respectfully with others as equals.

“The values at the heart of a multiracial, inclusive democracy are freedom of expression and assembly and authentic representation of the communities our democracy serves. The leaders we elect should not just hold office to put forward their own interests but to meaningfully advance the interests of everyone in their jurisdiction. All of those values necessitate active participation of the people. Democracy can only thrive when we fuel it with our voices, votes and healthy discussion and debate about how we move the country forward.”
— Margaret Huang 

Read “A Time of Transformation and Possibility” in Learning for Justice magazine.


Learning, Reflection and Action

What Are the Values of Democracy?

The ideals of democracy are at the core of our shared values and identity. But what are democratic values, and how do these values help us understand our politics, government and country today?

A Culture of Dialogue Is Foundational to Democracy

This learning journey summarizes key points addressing the questions: What is dialogue across difference, and how is dialogue foundational to democracy?

The Roles and Responsibilities of the President

This resource can help you understand the roles of the president, identify the powers and limits of the office and learn how people can evaluate a president’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the office.

The Role and Responsibilities of the Department of Education

This in-depth examination of the department can help understand the key responsibilities and the consequences of dismantling this vital federal agency.

Advocating for Public Education

Every child in the United States has a right to a quality public education. Join us in advocating for public education that fosters excellence and equity.

Our Votes Matter: Action Steps in Planning to Vote

At this crucial moment in our nation’s history, all our votes matter. Act now in planning and ensuring your ability to vote. This learning resource provides action steps for participating in today’s election process.

Media Literacy Is Vital During the Election Process

Media literacy – being able to access, analyze and evaluate information for accuracy and reliability across a variety of mediums – is crucial for us to make informed decisions.

Understanding Voter Suppression in Today's Election Process

Strategies to suppress voting continue to undermine our democracy today and have increased over the past two decades.