Government and Civics

For many social studies educators, citizenship education is a central focus. The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS, 2006) requires that “social studies educators teach students the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and civic values necessary for fulfilling the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy.” The study of government and civics helps students learn about the U.S. political system, foreign governments, the purpose, structure, and functions of government, and an appreciation of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Usually discussed in social studies are topics such as the U.S. Constitution, how laws are made, suffrage, and human rights, which are important for all students to understand.