For several years, state Sen. Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican and current president of the Senate, has been advocating for a bill that would require civics education as a condition for high school graduation. This initiative has recently gained traction with the support of Anchorage Democrat Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson as a cosponsor, marking a significant bipartisan effort.
In an era where America’s democracy faces numerous challenges, the need for civics education has never been more pressing. Many young people, often absorbed by the rapid consumption of information on social media, may lack a deeper understanding of the foundational elements that sustain society. A concerning trend suggests that even many adults may not have a comprehensive grasp of these crucial principles.
Historically, the American experiment in democracy has encountered challenges. The Civil War was a catastrophic conflict, but the nation endured, albeit with lingering effects, particularly regarding systemic racism.
Currently, however, there are grave concerns. The erosion of fundamental principles embedded in the Constitution is evident. The executive branch appears to be consolidating power without adequate checks from the Supreme Court or Congress. Additionally, there are alarming instances of military actions being taken against civilians, and reports of U.S. citizens being unjustly detained and removed to locations under authoritarian regimes.
While Senate Bill 23, introduced by Sen. Stevens and Sen. Gray-Jackson, will not resolve all the issues at hand, it represents a constructive step towards enhancing civic education. Many educational institutions have decreased their focus on social studies, including history and civics, prioritizing subjects like math and science instead. Although these subjects are essential, fostering informed citizenship remains equally important.
The proposed bill mandates that high school students complete a course in civics, covering the fundamental principles of the Constitution, and achieve a minimum passing score of 70% to graduate. Furthermore, students will have the option to undertake an equivalent civics-based project, which could supplement their understanding of governance.
To enrich the curriculum, it would be beneficial to include education on fascism and the vulnerability of democracies to authoritarianism. Two recommended books for this topic include “How Democracies Die” by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt and “How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them” by Jason Stanley.
Observers today are witnessing alarming signs of democratic decline across the United States. This erosion is deeply rooted in the dismantling of the U.S. Constitution’s checks and balances, which traditionally serve to protect individual liberties by distributing power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The revolution against monarchical rule in July 1776 was motivated by a desire to establish safeguards against tyranny. The Constitution emerged as a groundbreaking framework designed to prevent any single branch of government from gaining excessive power. The American model of democracy was unique in its time and became a blueprint for other nations.
However, current trends raise uncomfortable questions about whether these foundational principles are being undermined, potentially steering the nation towards authoritarianism and even fascism. According to Jason Stanley in “How Fascism Works,” there are unsettling parallels between historic fascist tactics and current events.
Stanley points out that certain institutions in the United States bear similarities to fascist paramilitary groups. He specifically mentions ICE, which operates with police-like authority and directs its focus toward political outsiders within U.S. borders.
What’s alarming is the reported targeting of individuals who express dissenting opinions, echoing historical trends that foreshadow democratic regression. Furthermore, the sustained attack on higher education and the diminishing of expertise and critical thinking present considerable dangers. In a functioning democracy, informed discussion cannot thrive without access to diverse perspectives, while fascist ideologies inherently restrict dialogue to a singular, dominant view.
The narrative of demonizing minorities, particularly immigrants and people of color, is another familiar tactic utilized by authoritarian regimes. Emergencies, whether real or fabricated, have often served as catalysts for consolidating power, a strategy that Levitsky warns can lead to significant abuses of authority.
Recent events, including the unjust deportation of individuals, including U.S. citizens, reveal a concerning continuation of this pattern. The alarming similarities between contemporary governmental practices and Stalin’s “Great Terror” of the late 1930s serve as a grim reminder of history’s darker chapters.
During Stalin’s regime, quotas imposed by the KGB led to widespread arrests and deportations, and recent reports suggest that immigration policy under President Donald Trump has set similar arrest quotas, reminiscent of past abuses.
As the U.S. Supreme Court has thus far permitted these deportation practices to proceed, including removals to countries governed by authoritarian leaders, the ramifications for civil liberties are dire.
Reflecting on the founding principles of American democracy, the current trajectory prompts critical inquiry into the nation’s commitment to protecting its citizens from autocratic governance. In hindsight, even the perceived mildness of George III compared to contemporary threats underscores a pertinent need for vigilance.
Promoting civics education, as championed by Senators Stevens and Gray-Jackson, is a vital endeavor in nurturing an informed citizenry that can thoughtfully engage in democratic processes. It’s an essential step to safeguard the values upon which the nation was built.
image source from：adn
