Every year, organizations nationwide come together to discuss the importance of civics education. Civic Learning Week is a chance for all Americans to learn more about how our government works and how each of us plays an active role in shaping it. This week is also about honoring the incredible legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, a fierce advocate for civics education. After stepping down from the Supreme Court, she founded the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy to help people of all ages understand democracy and the responsibilities of citizenship. Today, the Institute proudly carries on her mission, helping people of all ages engage with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Why Civics Education Matters
Civics education is the foundation of a strong democracy. It helps us understand how our government works, our rights and responsibilities, and why participating in the political process matters. When we know how to engage with our government and make informed decisions, we strengthen our communities and our country.
Unfortunately, civics education has been declining since the 1960s. Our recent research brief, “When & Why Did America Stop Teaching Civics?”, found that millions of Americans from Generations X through Z never received a solid civics education. Justice O’Connor best captured this when she said, “The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned by each new generation.”
When people understand their government and how to make their voices heard, democracy works better. Civics education teaches us how laws are made, how to evaluate political issues, and why voting and civic participation are so important. Without that knowledge, it’s easy to feel disconnected or powerless—but with it, we become active, informed citizens who can make a real difference.
The Impact of Civics Education
Research shows that when people receive civics education, they are:
- More likely to feel a sense of responsibility toward their community.
- More likely to vote and participate in civic life.
- Better equipped to understand how local and national government work.
- More aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Civics education does more than just teach us how government functions—it helps us feel connected to our country and each other. Understanding our nation's history and values fosters a sense of pride and unity. It reminds us of the importance of justice, equality, and freedom while encouraging us to protect these values for future generations.
How We’re Continuing Justice O’Connor’s Legacy through Multigenerational Civics Education
At the Institute, we’re committed to making civics education more accessible and engaging through programs like Civics for Life and Civics 101. These programs offer easy-to-follow lessons and articles about the foundations of democracy, and our monthly civics quiz helps people test their knowledge in a fun way. We’re excited to continue growing these programs and making civics education available to more people.
Justice O’Connor’s commitment to youth education lives on through three key programs:
- Camp O’Connor – A week-long summer camp for middle schoolers where they learn about the three branches of government and how they fit into the democratic process. Campers walk away with a deeper understanding of government and the confidence to engage with it.
- The Civics Challenge – A creative competition where middle and high school students share their knowledge of civics through videos, essays, and even original songs. Every year, more students participate, and the entries keep getting more impressive.
- O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club –A free, online program open to 9th through 12th-grade students that allows them to participate in discussions on current events, hear from guest speakers, and develop the skills to engage thoughtfully and respectfully in civic life.
The Power of Civic Engagement
Civics education isn’t just about understanding government—it’s about feeling empowered to make a difference. When we know how things work, we’re more likely to show up at public meetings, volunteer at polling places, and maybe even run for office ourselves. In today’s digital age, there are more ways than ever to engage with important issues and have meaningful conversations about the future of our country.
Justice O’Connor knew that a healthy democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. When we understand our rights and responsibilities, we hold our leaders accountable and work together to build a better future.
As Justice O’Connor said, “It is the citizens of our nation who must preserve our system of government, and we cannot forget that.”
Happy Civic Learning Week!