Why Civic Illiteracy Hurts Our Democracy Today

Have you ever wondered what happens when a society forgets its own roots? I was chatting with a friend recently, and she casually mentioned that she didn’t know the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It hit me like a ton of bricks: this isn’t just a one-off. It’s a symptom of a much bigger issue—one that’s quietly eroding the foundation of our democracy. Across the country, millions of Americans lack the basic knowledge needed to engage meaningfully in civic life. This isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about recognizing a crisis and figuring out how to fix it.

The Silent Crisis of Civic Illiteracy

Civic illiteracy isn’t a new buzzword—it’s a real problem that’s been brewing for decades. When people don’t understand the principles behind their government or the history that shaped it, they’re less likely to vote, advocate, or hold leaders accountable. And let’s be honest: a democracy only works when its citizens are informed. So, how did we get here? The answer lies in a slow, unintentional shift in our educational priorities.

A Shift Away from Humanities

Picture this: it’s the late 1950s, and the U.S. is reeling from the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik. Suddenly, the race to space becomes a national obsession, and schools pivot hard toward STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math. Don’t get me wrong; STEM is crucial. It’s given us everything from smartphones to life-saving medical tech. But in the rush to prioritize these fields, something else got sidelined: the humanities.

Subjects like history, literature, and civics took a backseat, and over time, their value was quietly diminished. By the 1960s, colleges started phasing out requirements for American history and government courses. Fast-forward to today, and only about 18% of colleges mandate these subjects in their general education programs. That’s a staggering drop from the days when institutions like Harvard and Notre Dame made them non-negotiable.

Unlike a monarchy, a democracy is not automatically self-perpetuating. History and values have to be renewed from generation to generation.

– Former humanities leader

The Consequences Are Real

The impact of this shift isn’t abstract—it’s measurable. Surveys over the years have painted a grim picture of what Americans don’t know about their own country. For instance, in a 2011 study, over half of 8th graders thought the government should guarantee everyone a job, while only a third correctly identified democracy as a core belief of the U.S. In 2015, 10% of college graduates believed a TV judge was a Supreme Court justice. And in 2019, nearly a fifth of adults thought a modern congresswoman authored a 1930s economic program.

These aren’t just trivia fails; they point to a deeper disconnect. If people don’t know their constitutional rights or the structure of their government, how can they make informed decisions at the ballot box? It’s no wonder voter turnout in local and state elections often hovers below 30%. When civic knowledge fades, so does civic participation.

What’s Missing in Higher Education?

Let’s dig into what’s happening on college campuses. Many top universities no longer require students to study American history or government, even for history majors. At some elite schools, students can graduate with a history degree without ever touching on the founding documents or the principles of American governance. Instead, they’re encouraged to explore niche topics like environmental history or global perspectives—valuable, sure, but not a substitute for understanding their own country’s framework.

Take a look at the numbers: in the 2020–21 academic year, 18 of the top 25 public universities and 24 of the 25 best national schools had no broad American history requirement. Even liberal arts powerhouses like Amherst and Swarthmore don’t mandate it. This isn’t about forcing a patriotic agenda; it’s about ensuring students have the tools to navigate civic life.

• Lack of focus: History majors can often bypass U.S.-specific courses entirely.
• General education gaps: Only a small fraction of colleges require civics or history for all students.
• Long-term impact: Graduates enter the world without a clear grasp of their civic responsibilities.

Why It Matters for Relationships

Now, you might be wondering: what does this have to do with couple life? At first glance, not much. But think about it: relationships thrive on shared values, trust, and communication. A society that’s civically illiterate struggles to maintain the shared principles that hold communities together. When couples don’t understand the broader context of their society—its laws, rights, or democratic processes—it can create tension, especially when discussing issues like politics or social responsibility.

In my experience, couples who engage in civic life together—whether it’s voting, volunteering, or debating ideas—often find a deeper connection. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a citizen can strengthen your partnership, giving you a shared purpose. Conversely, civic ignorance can lead to apathy, which seeps into personal relationships, making it harder to navigate tough conversations.

Shared civic engagement can be a bonding experience for couples, fostering mutual respect and purpose.

– Relationship expert

A Path Forward: Rebuilding Civic Education

So, what’s the fix? It starts with rethinking how we approach education. Colleges and universities need to reinstate requirements for American history and government, not as an afterthought but as a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. This doesn’t mean sidelining STEM or global studies—it’s about balance. A democracy can’t function if its citizens don’t know how it works.

Here’s what a revamped approach could look like:

1. Mandate core courses: Require all students, regardless of major, to take at least one course in American history and government.
2. Integrate civics early: Introduce civic education in high schools with practical lessons on voting, taxes, and civic duties.
3. Encourage engagement: Create programs that reward students for participating in community service or local government.

Some schools are already doing this well. For example, certain universities have core curricula that include studying founding documents and key democratic principles. But it’s not enough for a handful of institutions to lead the charge—change needs to be systemic.

The Role of Individuals and Couples

While systemic change is critical, individuals and couples can play a role too. Start small: read the Constitution together, discuss a historical event, or attend a local town hall. These actions don’t just boost your civic knowledge; they can also spark meaningful conversations in your relationship. I’ve found that learning about history with a partner often leads to surprising insights about each other’s values.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how couples can get involved:

The Bigger Picture

At its core, civic illiteracy isn’t just an educational failure—it’s a threat to the fabric of our society. A democracy relies on informed citizens who can debate, vote, and contribute thoughtfully. Without that, we risk apathy, division, and a weakened sense of community. For couples, engaging in civic life can be a way to strengthen both their relationship and their society.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how interconnected it all is. A strong relationship can inspire civic engagement, and active citizenship can deepen a couple’s bond. It’s a cycle that starts with education and ends with a healthier democracy. So, why not take the first step? Grab a book, talk about your rights, or just vote in the next election. It’s not just about you—it’s about the kind of world we’re building together.

In the end, civic literacy isn’t about memorizing dates or documents. It’s about understanding who we are as a nation and what we stand for. For couples, it’s a chance to grow closer while making a difference. Let’s not wait for the next survey to tell us what we already know: it’s time to act.