Where Did Civics Go? How to Bring Democracy Back to Schools

There is Crisis in Civics Education.

If you went to high school in the 1980s or earlier, you likely remember taking a lot of social studies classes. Back then, the United States invested $50 per student in social studies education. Those classes were seen as essential, providing students with a foundation in history, culture, and government.

But during the culture wars of the 1990s, things changed dramatically. Efforts to include more diverse stories and perspectives in social studies curricula were met with backlash. Funding for these programs was slashed, leaving civics education gutted. By 2021, the average investment in social studies had plummeted to just five cents per student.

This matters because civics, the study of culture, civilization, and community, has all but disappeared from school curriculums.

Why Civics Education Matters

Civics education isn’t just about memorizing government facts or understanding how a bill becomes a law. It’s about understanding systems of power, asking critical questions, and seeing how individuals fit into the bigger picture.

Unfortunately, what’s left of civics education today can often feel dry and disconnected from real life. Kids might learn what Congress does, but do they know how to influence their city council? They know about voting, but are they taught how to organize for change before they’re old enough to cast a ballot?

Much of what students learn focuses on the past rather than engaging with the present. And it rarely reflects the diverse experiences and challenges young people face in their own communities.

What Civics Could Be

Imagine if civics education was a dynamic, hands-on experience that prepared students to actively participate in democracy. What if every student had the opportunity to:

Debate real issues happening in their towns.

Work on community projects that make a tangible difference.

Learn how to ask tough questions and engage with local leaders.

That’s civics in action. It’s not just learning about democracy, it’s practicing it. When young people see they can have a voice and make a difference, they don’t just learn about the system; they learn how to shape it. They grow into voters who understand the power of their vote and community members who know how to advocate for change.

This is how we build a stronger democracy, by empowering the next generation to participate in and improve the systems that shape their lives.

What’s Being Taught in Your Community?

Civics education is the cornerstone of an engaged and informed society. Yet, in many schools, it’s treated as an afterthought. As community members, parents, and advocates, it’s time to ask: What are students in your local schools learning about civics?

Together, we can push for an education system that doesn’t just teach students about democracy but equips them to live it. Let’s give every young person the tools they need to be active, informed citizens who can make a difference now and in the future.