Civic Literacy Deficiency is a National Crisis
It’s no secret that Americans struggle with basic civic knowledge. A shocking 70% of Americans fail fundamental civics quizzes, one in three cannot name the three branches of government, and fewer than a quarter feel confident explaining how their government works. These statistics paint a troubling picture: we are facing a civic literacy crisis that threatens the very foundation of our republic.
The Lack of Civics Education in Schools
Despite the gravity of this issue, civics education is often overlooked. While some high schools offer a course—or half-course—on civics, and elements of civics may be embedded in earlier social studies curricula, this is insufficient. Without a strong foundation in civics, students graduate without the knowledge necessary for informed citizenship.
A well-rounded civic education should begin early and continue through high school. However, many schools fail to prioritize civics, relegating it to a small portion of social studies classes. This leaves students ill-equipped to participate in the republic, undermining the principles on which our nation was founded.
What to Teach? The Ongoing Debate
Even when civics is taught, much debate remains over what should be included in the curriculum. This dispute is driven in part by "culture wars" but also by uncertainty over how to balance the three essential pillars of civic education:
- Knowledge and Understanding – Learning how government works, the Constitution, and key historical principles.
- Values and Dispositions – Instilling civic virtues such as respect for the republic, rule of law, and civil discourse.
- Civil Discourse – The ability to engage in respectful, informed discussions on political and social issues.
Many educators and policymakers struggle with allocating time and resources to these three pillars. While some advocate for a purely knowledge-based approach, others emphasize engagement and civic values, creating friction over what an effective civics curriculum should look like.
A Minimalist Approach is Not Enough
Recognizing the need for a baseline level of civic knowledge, several states have adopted the requirement that students should at least be able to pass the U.S. Citizenship Test—the same one administered to immigrants who are going through the naturalization process. This is a positive move, but the test just covers the basics. It's more about quickly recalling facts than genuinely teaching people how to be informed citizens.
The citizenship test covers essential topics, but it should not be the end goal of civics education. Instead, it should serve as a foundation upon which a broader curriculum is built—one that fosters more profound understanding, critical thinking, and active engagement in civic life.
A Broader Framework for Civic Learning
Yet, what’s in the citizenship test can serve as the skeleton of an entire K-12 civics curriculum that incorporates all three pillars of civic education. It also aligns with the growing consensus among Americans on the essentials of civics and history and is compatible with established, bipartisan frameworks like Educating for American Democracy (EAD).
Expanding civics education to encompass a broader curriculum ensures that students memorize facts and understand their role in a democratic society. By integrating civic knowledge with real-world applications, we can create an engaged and informed citizenry capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance.
The Civic Literacy Curriculum at ASU
At Arizona State University’s Center for American Civics, we’ve built a comprehensive Civic Literacy Curriculum (CLC) beyond mere test preparation. This curriculum is designed to:
- Engage students in historical and constitutional knowledge through primary sources.
- Foster values and dispositions necessary for democratic participation.
- Encourages civil discourse through structured discussions and critical thinking exercises
With over 500 free lessons, structured discussions, and interactive learning tools, the CLC is a powerful resource for educators looking to reinvigorate civics education. By providing these resources at no cost, we remove barriers for schools lacking funding to implement robust civics programs.
A Call to Action: Beyond Hand-Wringing and Culture Wars
No, the CLC is not a total solution to the civics crisis gripping the country. However, it offers schools and educators a viable, high-quality curriculum that provides the knowledge and resources to address the crisis meaningfully. Policymakers and education leaders have an opportunity to move beyond hand-wringing and partisan debates and instead equip teachers with the tools they need to foster informed, engaged citizens.
If we are serious about preserving the republic, we must invest in civics education at all levels. Schools, educators, and policymakers must unite to ensure students graduate with the knowledge, values, and engagement skills necessary to participate fully in American society.
The stability and progress of America are significantly reliant on civic education.
