What Is Civics?
Civics is a subject that touches every person’s life. It teaches the value of being an active citizen in the community. It teaches the importance of taking part in politics and helping to choose the leaders of local, state and national government. It teaches how laws shape society and how they protect individuals. It teaches how the rights granted by government come with responsibilities not to abuse those rights.
The word “civics” is based on an ancient Latin word “civicus,” which means “of a citizen.”
The word “civics” is based on an ancient Latin word “civicus,” which means “of a citizen.”
American Values
Studying civics gives meaning to values that have come to define what it means to be an American. Many of these values are expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
They include:
• The concepts of fairness and equality;
• The commitment to protect the rights of individuals and also to promote the common good;
• Respect for the law and justice;
• Recognition of the importance of diversity, openness and the free exchange of ideas;
• Understanding of how participation in civic and political life can help citizens achieve individual and public goals.
They include:
• The concepts of fairness and equality;
• The commitment to protect the rights of individuals and also to promote the common good;
• Respect for the law and justice;
• Recognition of the importance of diversity, openness and the free exchange of ideas;
• Understanding of how participation in civic and political life can help citizens achieve individual and public goals.