What is Civics?

What is Civics?

Civics

Civics

Civics is defined as: the study or science of the privileges and obligations of citizens.

Civic education is the study of the theoretical, political and practical aspects of citizenship, as well as its rights and duties. It includes the study of civil law and civil code, and the study of government with attention to the role of citizens―as opposed to external factors―in the operation and oversight of government.

Questions such as:

      • Why does the U.S. have an Electoral College?
      • How do congressional investigations work?
      • What does the minority whip actually do?

will be answered as you browse the links below. Think of this as a refresher course on the basics of how our democracy works.

Civics Resources 


EAD logoIn recent decades, we as a nation have failed to prepare young Americans for self-government, leaving the world’s oldest constitutional democracy in grave danger, afflicted by both cynicism and nostalgia, as it approaches its 250th anniversary. The time has come to recommit to the education of our young people for informed, authentic, and engaged citizenship.

  • Educating for American Democracy (EAD) is an unprecedented effort that convened a diverse and cross-ideological group of scholars and educators to create a Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy — guidance and an inquiry framework that states, local school districts, and educators can use to transform the teaching of history and civics to meet the needs of a diverse 21st century K–12 student body. (Download or read the entire report - 34 pages)
  • The League of Women Voters of Delaware (LWVDE) presents We're the WE in "We the People" - a quick Civics course on government for those who never had one, and a brush-up for those who have taken a civics course but need to be reminded what they learned.
  • I am Just a Bill - Schoolhouse Rock: America - I'm Just a Bill Music Video (You may remember this!)
  • Civics 101 - If you enjoy listening to podcasts, this NPR podcast from the New Hampshire public radio will be a way of learning more about our government and your role in it.
  • How to Become President of the USA - An election for president of the United States happens every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
  • Department of Elections - Information on State Elections.
  • Branches of the U.S. Government - Learn about the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government.