Whatever Happened to Civics?

The country seems to be changing and changing fast.  The media spreads propaganda that is picked up by ill-informed individuals who perpetuate the message through social media, often without logic or sound reasoning.  If you have ever heard a reporter on the street asking basic questions about government leaders, current events or historical figures, it is clear there are a vast number of Americans who do not know their history or stay well-versed on national news.  This disturbing trend over the past few years has begged the question: Whatever happened to teaching Civics?  Our children must understand the role of government, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights and learn from history, in order to respond to the events of our day and defend our Constitutional Republic.

Understanding the Role of Government

Our country was founded on biblical principles.  The word government encompasses self-government, family, church and civil government and is directed by the One who rules and reigns over all.  Consider such commands by God related to these ordained institutions: Husbands love your wives just as Christ also loved the church…(Ephesians 5:25), Children obey your parents...(Ephesians 6:1), Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account (Hebrews 13:17), All authority is established by God (Romans 13:1), Love your neighbor as yourself (Galatians 5:14), and Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution whether to a king as the one in authority or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of those who do right (1 Peter 2:13, 14).

I agree with Geoffrey Parson (2008) who writes, “The present educational establishment wants to bury the truth, so our children have no way of comparing the past with the secularists’ version of history and their aspirations for the future” (p. 161).  Without an understanding of American History, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students cannot defend or debate an issue.  Instead, they are left to follow an ideology espoused by others.  The future of America looks grim for our children and grandchildren if they cannot think for themselves.  The same can be said for defending their faith and understanding who God is through reading Scripture.  Worldview is based on our belief system which is based on what we believe to be true.  Some may choose to believe based on what sounds good, fits their lifestyle or condones their behavior rather than the established authority of God.

Understanding the Constitution

It is important that our children (and we) have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding government rule.  For example, where do the words “separation of church and state” come from?  Most people wrongly believe these words are written in the Constitution.  Thomas Jefferson, who was in France during the writing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, penned these words to a group of Baptists.  The myth that this is written in the Constitution has influenced many decisions, won many arguments, and been perpetuated by a lack of knowledge.

Understanding the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights affords all citizens equal rights.  As a group of people seeking religious freedom, the founding fathers ensured in their writings, that freedoms would be granted to all citizens.  Some today would like to restrict certain freedoms or abolish them completely.  These rights, when not fully understood can be taken for granted.  Many today, for example, have willingly given up their privacy, a basic right and privilege.  Most people don’t bother to read the privacy policy on apps and websites anymore.  Blindly, they click the agree button without reading what privacy rights they are relinquishing.   Foregoing temporary conveniences is a greater burden than surrendering a little freedom.  Our children will face many decisions regarding their freedoms.  Do they understand the value of the rights given under the Bill of Rights and the consequences of losing them?

Teaching Civics - Elementary Years

With these concerns in mind, I went searching for books for teaching Civics to children. Hence, the reason for sharing titles worth reading with them.  The following books are used at Covenant Academy in the elementary years.  These short books can be read and discussed with children as young as third grade.  Although the reading level is easy for fifth and sixth graders, it allows for better understanding of the rich and deep content.  Several of these books provide thought provoking questions that will bring relevance and meaning to an otherwise mind-numbing topic.  Where possible, relate the content to current events, leaders, and your own experiences.

If You Where There When They Signed the Constitution (Elisabeth Levy)

The Bill of Rights: Protecting Our Freedom Then and Now (Syl Sobel)

How the Government Works (Syl Sobel)

Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution (Jean Fritz)

Teaching Civics-Middle School

For middle school students, I recommend, The Land of Fair Play American Civics from a Christian Perspective (Geoffrey Parsons).  The lessons are short but packed with facts worth knowing and lots of questions to discuss.  Using the analogy of a baseball game with a captain, an umpire, rules and spirit of fair play, this book offers a clear understanding of the role of government in our lives.  As with the other titles, without meaningful conversation and current application, the content could be dry.  Remember, however, there is nothing boring or blasé about our rights and freedom, especially when their relevance is understood and personal. Parsons states:

The boys and girls of today are the voters of tomorrow.  The government will be theirs to make it what they will.  All the wisdom of the past alone, cannot make a government successful.  The fate of America rests with each generation.  We have a wonderful machine, but it is only a machine, and it will run well or ill exactly as the voters direct.  That is why it is the duty of every American to learn how his government works, to watch it, and to the utmost of his ability play his part in running it (p. 125).

A Kid’s Guide to America’s Bill of Rights offers a historical summary of each freedom under the Bill of Rights, court cases, and current examples of how these freedoms affect our daily lives. The book is engaging and easy to read for middle school students.  However, some of the examples used may not be suitable for younger children.  For that reason, I recommend parents use it as a guide to dialogue with their children to help them better understand the issues.

These books will help student understand not only the government’s responsibility to the people, but their responsibilities to each other.  In a “land of fair play”, citizens consider and serve others to make life better for everyone.  Sounds a lot like “love your neighbor as yourself”!

Please let me know if you enjoy these books or have other titles that would be helpful for young people.

Resources

Parson, G. (2008). The land of fair play. Christian Liberty Press.