The importance of civics lessons

CBS Sunday Morning
4 Nov 201808:07

Summary

TLDRThe video emphasizes the importance of voting and civic education, highlighting how apathy and ignorance hinder democratic participation. It discusses the critical role of civics in schools and the impact of disinvestment in civic education on society. Through programs like Citizen University and iCivics, the goal is to revive understanding of government functions and foster civil discourse. Experts stress the need for civility in debates, putting the country above personal or party interests. The video calls for an engaged citizenry to strengthen democracy and its values, underscoring the responsibility of citizens to uphold democracy through active participation.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Voting is a choice, but not voting is a way of giving up power and letting others make decisions on your behalf.
  • 😀 Indifference and ignorance are the biggest threats to civic engagement and voter turnout in America.
  • 😀 Civic education, which teaches citizens how the government works and their role in it, is essential but has declined in schools.
  • 😀 Only a small percentage of Americans can name the three branches of government, highlighting the lack of civics knowledge.
  • 😀 Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch are working to promote civic education across the country.
  • 😀 The iCivics program, founded by retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, uses interactive tools like video games to engage young people in civics.
  • 😀 Civility, or the ability to disagree respectfully, is a key part of civic engagement that is lacking in current political discourse.
  • 😀 High school teachers like Mary Ellen Daniels aim to teach students how to debate controversial topics without resorting to insults or hostility.
  • 😀 Understanding and discussing current events is crucial to teaching civics, with some teachers using newspapers instead of textbooks.
  • 😀 A strong belief in democracy and placing country above personal or party interests is essential for a healthy democracy.
  • 😀 While partisanship is intense in America today, past history shows that even in times of division, the country can still make progress.

Q & A

  • Why does the script emphasize the importance of voting on Election Day?

    -The script emphasizes voting as a way to retain power and control over one's voice in the democratic process. Not voting is seen as voluntarily surrendering one's influence to others who will make decisions on their behalf, potentially in ways that don't align with personal interests.

  • What is Eric Liu's perspective on the challenges facing voter turnout?

    -Eric Liu identifies indifference as the greatest obstacle to voter turnout. He highlights two forms of indifference: the belief that the system is rigged and therefore not worth participating in, and the widespread ignorance about the workings of government, which stems from a lack of civic education.

  • What role does civic education play in American democracy, according to the script?

    -Civic education is crucial for ensuring that citizens understand how government functions and how they can engage in it. The script explains that civic education helps people know their rights, understand governmental structures, and participate responsibly in democracy.

  • How did iCivics contribute to improving civic education?

    -iCivics, founded by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, introduced engaging, interactive tools such as video games to teach civics. This innovative approach made learning about government and rights more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for younger audiences.

  • What is the significance of teaching students about civility in the context of government?

    -Teaching civility in the context of government is important because it encourages people to disagree respectfully and thoughtfully. Civility is seen as a key component in fostering constructive debates and discussions, which are essential for a healthy democracy.

  • What challenges do high school educators face when teaching civics in the current political climate?

    -High school educators face challenges related to the polarized political climate, with students often witnessing public figures, like President Trump, engaging in undignified behavior. Educators must navigate this environment while helping students understand how to engage in civil discourse and manage controversial topics in a constructive way.

  • What is the 'glue' that holds democracy together, according to David Moss?

    -David Moss suggests that the 'glue' holding democracy together is a strong belief in democracy itself. This belief fosters unity, even in times of intense partisanship. Without this shared commitment to democratic values, the stability of democracy could be at risk.

  • Why is it concerning that only 30% of Americans born after 1980 believe it's essential to live in a democracy?

    -This statistic is concerning because it indicates a decline in the belief in the importance of democracy among younger generations. If the commitment to democratic principles weakens, the future of the nation's political stability and democratic practices may be jeopardized.

  • What is the relationship between the decline of civic education and increased partisan discord?

    -The decline of civic education has been linked to the rise of partisan discord. As schools stopped teaching civics, people became less informed about how government functions and their roles in it. This lack of understanding contributed to greater division and polarization in American society.

  • How does the script suggest addressing the challenges of low civic engagement?

    -The script suggests that reinvigorating civic education, particularly through engaging and substantive approaches, can address low civic engagement. The goal is to make civics more relevant and interesting for students, ensuring they are informed and motivated to participate in democracy.

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Related Tags
Civic EducationVoter EngagementDemocracyCivic ResponsibilityEducation ReformPolitical AwarenessCivilityPartisanshipGovernmentYouth Engagement