Civic education is essential to upholding the principles of democracy in America. A democratic society must rely on people’s knowledge, skill and interpretation of the law in order to govern themselves efficiently. The primary opportunity for most American citizens to acquire the knowledge and dispositions essential for informed, effective citizenship is during their school years. Civic education, therefore, is vital to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
More than ever, children need to become informed about how a democracy operates and what it takes to preserve a democratic government. In a time when outside influences threaten to disassemble American ideals, it is imperative that civic education is stressed as a necessary tool for informing Americans of the values and principles of a free society.
The West Virginia Legislature realizes the importance of civic education and offers a variety of programs and publications to promote it. The Page Program, Children’s Day, a Children’s Website and “How a Bill Becomes Law,” which is a publication that teaches the process of law making, all provide assistance when trying to gain a better understanding of how state government operates.
The Page Program offers West Virginia youth the opportunity to help aid in the legislative process. They perform a variety of tasks including observing the floor sessions of both House and Senate. They do work for both Delegates and Senators, which includes delivering documents and running errands. This program offers children a chance to witness legislation and the process by which the Legislative Branch works.
The Legislature also has a Children’s Day on February 19th that promotes civic education. Children are encouraged to visit the Capitol Complex, meet with their representatives and witness the lawmaking process. This allows children to gain a better understanding of what goes on inside of the Capitol
and how laws are made. Students are encouraged to visit the Legislature while in session, whether it be as part of Children’s Day or through school field trips and family visits.
The children’s website offered by the Legislature is a very informative site that provides detailed information in regard to lawmaking. The site offers a variety of exercises including historical trivia and State Capitol facts. The site also provides information about the three branches of government as well as a “did you know section.” To access the website go to www. legis.state.wv.us.
The Legislature also publishes a brochure titled, “How a Bill Becomes Law,”as part of the WV Legislature’s Kids Club. This is a informative publication on the steps a bill goes through before it becomes law. It is important that children learn this process because laws are ideas that can help to make a positive change in people’s lives. The brochure offers comprehensive pictures and detailed information that explains the process, so children can easily learn the path a bill takes to becoming law.
The teaching of civic education is very important. Young people need to become informed on how a democratic society operates and maintains itself in order to improve the process. Children must be guided by those values and principles of a democratic society and act upon them to preserve the democratic way of life in our communities and nation.
Civic Education Key to Public Participation
