Power of Democracy

The strength of our democratic institutions relies on the public’s understanding of those institutions. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye

A quality civics education must be a part of every child’s schooling to teach them how to develop good character and be a good citizen. Dave Gordon, Superintendent, Sacramento County

Civics learning plays an important role in supporting our students by ensuring that they are properly informed and engaged citizens. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting. Franklin Roosevelt

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The only way we can meet the many challenges currently facing California and the nation is with a citizenry that understands and participates in all aspects of civic life.

Join us in shining a light on the need for quality civic education and engagement to ensure that these important issues are ultimately part of meaningful state policy changes.

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Forbes
January 13, 2019

Math And Science Can’t Take Priority Over History And Civics

Maybe history, geography and civics can’t be combined into a catchy acronym like STEM (suggestions, anyone?), but if we want our democratic system of government to survive and flourish, those are the subjects we need to prioritize.

Northern Public Radio
December 29, 2019

Survey Finds The Public Lacks Knowledge of State Government

A national survey this past year showed how in the dark many people are when it comes to understanding who runs their state government and what they’re up to.

Wyoming Public Media
December 28, 2018

Civics Education Makes Come Back

Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said she has heard from Wyoming citizens and educators who are concerned about how well prepared students are to be civically engaged as adults.

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Secondary School Principal of the Year Reflects on the Importance of Civic Learning

By Mark Anderson, Principal of Marshall Fundamental Secondary, Pasadena, CA

As educational leaders, our plate is full. Priority is given to areas measured on the California School Dashboard. Unfortunately, one area that can get lost in the maelstrom of our professional lives is the need to place an emphasis and value on civic learning. Civic learning helps students access the world around them According to […]
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Civic Learning Award at Camarillo High School: Impressions of a Presiding Justice

By Hon. Arthur Gilbert, Presiding Justice of Division Six, Second District Court of Appeal

Recently I presented the Civic Learning Award to Camarillo High School, my second time to participate in the special program established by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. I have been told that a visit from a judge is part of the prize for the school. But from my perspective, I […]
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Lessons from learning and serving at my local court

By Vanesa Martín

As the child of Mexican immigrants, I thought that assisting members of the Latino community who came into a Los Angeles County Superior court self-help center would feel entirely familiar. I had always helped my Spanish-speaking parents, neighbors, and family friends translate documents and interpret conversations, and I felt that joining JusticeCorps—an AmeriCorps program that offers […]
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Watch how California high school students benefit from engaging civic learning programs that equip, empower, and encourage them to grow into active citizens. The Power of Democracy Steering Committee is working to support robust civic learning experiences for all California students.

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