Jill J. Tokumoto

The Importance of Civics Education Programs in K-12 Schools: Sustaining a Constitutional Democracy Jill J. Tokumoto

American democracy is at risk. The United States is considered the world leader in education and influence, yet few citizens know how their own government works or their responsibilities as citizens. The work of civic commitment is left to a small minority of citizens who choose to participate. There are social core groups such as families, churches, and peers that help develop Americans' knowledge and the skills that shape civic character and commitments. Social institutions such as schools, with their mix of varying ages, cultures, and view points, bear a historic responsibility for developing civic competence and participation. Yet schools across the nation do not have a formalized civics curriculum throughout the K-12 educational system. Civic education is one of the essential elements to sustain this constitutional democracy. It is the foundation for the American identity and yet, by the time students reach high school, they lack even a basic knowledge of civics. Without this indispensable understanding of our national character, the United State cannot maintain its position as a leader and educator of democracy.