Opinion: America’s Civic Literacy Crisis: Are We Losing the Foundation of Our Democracy?

As an educator, researcher, and advocate for civic engagement, I am deeply alarmed by America’s dwindling civic literacy. This crisis poses a direct threat to the integrity of our democracy. Recent surveys show that fewer than half of Americans can name all three branches of government. This isn’t just a trivia gap; it’s a democratic emergency. How can citizens hold leaders accountable if they don’t understand the systems that govern them? How can voters discern fact from fiction in an era of misinformation? These questions demand urgent attention because, make no mistake, the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been.

Growing up as the child of a social studies teacher in Nigeria, I learned early on that knowledge is power. Understanding the principles of governance is not just an academic exercise; it’s a tool for liberation and accountability. In my work with the Baylor University iEngage Summer Camp – an award-winning program that empowers middle school students to tackle real-world problems – I’ve witnessed the transformative power of civic education. These young learners develop a sense of agency, envision solutions to community issues, and see themselves as part of the democratic process. Yet, programs like this are rare exceptions in an education system that increasingly sidelines civics, treating it as a luxury rather than a necessity.

The erosion of civic literacy is not a partisan issue; it is an existential one. The consequences of this ignorance are everywhere. Trust in government is at historic lows, and Americans increasingly feel powerless to engage with their representatives. At the same time, digital platforms like X and TikTok amplify political misinformation that spreads faster than facts. A recent viral post on X falsely claimed the Supreme Court could overturn congressional legislation unilaterally, racking up thousands of shares before being debunked. Similarly, some people still believe that the incoming President Trump could simply “proclaim” the end of the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause – a misunderstanding of constitutional law that underscores the danger of an uninformed populace.

Let’s stop sugarcoating it: America’s democratic foundation is cracking under the weight of this ignorance. A population that doesn’t understand the separation of powers or the amendment process is ripe for manipulation by demagogues. Misinformation thrives in this civic vacuum, leaving citizens ill-equipped to challenge falsehoods or advocate for meaningful change.

So, what’s the solution? It begins with prioritizing civic education – not as an optional subject squeezed between math and science, but as a core component of every student’s learning. This isn’t a radical idea. States like Florida have already passed legislation mandating enhanced civics curricula. However, such efforts must be approached with integrity, free of political agendas that could skew the curriculum.

But schools alone cannot shoulder this burden. Universities, community organizations, and local governments must step up. Programs like Baylor’s iEngage are proof that civic education works, especially when students are encouraged to engage with real-world problems in hands-on, inquiry-driven ways. Imagine if every community had access to such transformative programs. The ripple effects on trust in institutions, voter turnout, and social cohesion would be profound.

And yet, education alone is insufficient. We, as citizens, must model civic engagement in our daily lives. Whether it’s volunteering at a voter registration drive, attending city council meetings, or calling out misinformation online, these small acts collectively shift the needle. They also send a powerful message to the next generation: democracy is not a spectator sport.

In a recent class I taught on social issues in education, I asked my students what civic literacy meant to them and how it could be strengthened. One student, a future teacher, said something that stuck with me: “Civic literacy isn’t just about knowing the rules. It’s about believing that your voice matters enough to use them.” This belief is exactly what’s at risk when we neglect civic education.

I conclude: Failing to prioritize civic education will impact more than just one election cycle; it threatens the very survival of our democracy. We can empower future generations to restore trust in our institution by addressing this crisis with the urgency it demands.

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Toyosi Stephen Adedara, a third-year doctoral student at Baylor, specializes in civic education, focusing on civic literacy and community engagement. Previously a teacher in Nigeria, he has authored five educational publications and actively contributes to Baylor’s iEngage Summer Civics Camp. His work bridges academic insight and community action, emphasizing the revitalization of civic education with a global perspective.