Civics is Critical to Survival
Democracy is not self-sustaining. It survives only when people understand how it works and actively participate in protecting it. Without civic knowledge—without an informed public that knows its rights, responsibilities, and the dangers of authoritarianism—democracy crumbles from within.
Democracy Dies with a Whimper
The events of recent years have shown how fragile the system truly is. Misinformation spreads faster than truth. Basic democratic principles—like the peaceful transfer of power, checks and balances, and free elections—are under attack. When people don’t understand how their government functions, they become easy targets for manipulation, conspiracy theories, and leaders who seek power over the people instead of serving them.
Civics is not just about knowing the three branches of government or how a bill becomes law. It’s about recognizing when democracy is being dismantled. It’s about knowing how to hold leaders accountable. It’s about understanding that freedom requires action—not just in elections, but every day.
Being Broadcast to the World
Nations that lose sight of civics lose their ability to resist tyranny. History is filled with examples of societies that traded democracy for authoritarian rule because citizens didn’t see the warning signs—or didn’t believe it could happen to them. The United States is no exception.
If we want to ensure that democracy survives for future generations, we must make civics education a priority. We must teach not just how government works, but why it matters. Because when citizens stop understanding democracy, they stop defending it. And when they stop defending it, it disappears.