Why civics is important

It is a vital part of any democracy, and equips ordinary people with knowledge about our democracy and our Constitution. For example, voting is a major responsibility every citizen should take advantage of. The Tennessee Secretary of State has several resources available for folks who are looking to become more engaged as well as resources for those looking to learn more about our government.

Click here to learn more about the branches of state and federal governments. As a citizen, we are required to follow the laws of the federal, state, and local government. Across the state thousands are doing their part to become a citizen of the United States and Tennessee.

Since , the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition has worked to empower immigrants and refugees throughout Tennessee to develop a unified voice, defend their rights and be recognized as positive contributors to the state. For many aspiring citizens, the path to citizenship is long, expensive, and complicated. But young people across the nation have shown that we care about politics whether or not we are part of the formal political process.

Using the tools and skills I gained from being part of the Youth As Civics Experts program, I have committed myself to increase the youth vote in my community and also creating informed youth voters. Because we had to do most things virtually, I helped launch a social media campaign incorporating the skills I learned through YACE by making creative and informative graphics to help spread the message all over the state of Pennsylvania.

Civic education, when done right, can uplift and empower students. It can help us find our voices and use them effectively. And outside elections, civic education can help develop the next generation of critical thinkers who understand that they can enact change. So why is civic education not equitable and accessible to all of us? When I joined the Youth As Civics Experts program as an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow, I met with many civically engaged students from different states to discuss the inequity of civic education in our schools.

I learned through this fellowship that civic education teaches far more than how to vote. It teaches us how to involve ourselves in our society so that we can become engaged citizens. If you would like to contribute to Student Voice, please send your idea to Victoria Pasquantonio at vpasquantonio newshour. For education news highlights, sign up here. Interested in learning how to tell your own stories about yourself and your community using ….

The people in turn have the power to vote politicians in and out of office if the changes they want do not come to fruition. Students who receive a comprehensive civics education in school learn that voting is an important duty of every citizen.

Every vote counts in each election, and it is through voting that people can make sure that their voices are heard. They can reference their civics lessons to separate fact from fiction, allowing them to become educated and proactive voters. Students who fail to receive a proper civics education may grow up thinking that they are victims who are subservient to the whims of an uncontrollable central government.

Civics education is key in teaching people that the government has limitations and that every citizen has Constitutional rights that cannot be taken away or violated.

They learn about the Bill of Rights and what these first 10 amendments guarantee them as Americans.