The success of democracy relies on an informed citizenry who actively participates in and understands the democratic process. Civic education is often overlooked in our primary education and if not sought out later in life can lead to much misunderstanding regarding politics, government, and lawmaking. Civic education helps us understand our rights and responsibilities as citizens – and it can start at a young age.
A nationwide survey of registered voters by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in November 2023 found that “more than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz on topics like the three branches of government, the number of Supreme Court justices, and other basic functions of democracy. Just half were able to correctly name the branch of government where bills become laws.”
Three red flags that the foundation pointed out:
- Only 46% of respondents believe the U.S. is performing well on the vital need to understand our system of government—a gap of 49 percentage points from the 95% who call it important for the nation’s success.
- One in three did not know there are three branches of government.
- More than half did not know the number of members in the House of Representatives.
(U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2023)
The Civic Trust, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is working to promote a broad range of efforts aimed at improving understanding of and involvement in American civic life. Through the National Civics Bee®, they are dedicated to advancing and promoting civics knowledge in schools, workplaces, and communities. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be partnering with these organizations to bring the National Civics Bee® to Cherokee County.
Middle school students from across Cherokee County and the region were invited to submit an essay identifying and providing a solution to a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in their community. The students were guided to include civic virtues and principles in their responses. The finalists were then chosen and invited to participate in the live local bee, which includes a real-time quiz challenge, being held on April 21st on the campus of Reinhardt University in Waleska. The first, second, and third-place winners will be chosen, with all three competitors moving on to the state competition on June 27th. One overall state winner will then move on to the national competition in the fall.
The National Civics Bee® is an opportunity to further engage middle school students on the topic of civics – helping to increase civic literacy and creating a more knowledgeable citizenry within the next generation. Join us in helping to support civic knowledge and engagement for the next generation – attend the National Civics Bee on April 21st! Get more information about the National Civics Bee® here.
