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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Ratgeber
- Sprache: Englisch
An essential guide to nurturing the next generation of responsible, informed citizens
Lindsey Cormack's book, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It), speaks directly to an America in which civic knowledge is alarmingly sparse and many people dread politics. It's a tool for parents, educators, and anyone eager to fill this gap. In the book, Cormack offers an engaging and practical approach to discussing political issues and the inner workings of the U.S. government with children. She explains why our schools can no longer be the sites of civic education that they used to be and provides parents with strategies and necessary know-how to be able to impart these lessons to their children. From the intricacies of the voting process to the foundational principles of democracy and the significance of key government documents like the Constitution, the author demystifies complex topics with clarity and insight.
You'll also find:
- Data about the current state of the American citizenry, our educational approaches to civics, and the risks of civic disengagement
- A framework for starting important political discussions at home
- Comprehensive explanations of American federalism and how different branches of government are responsible for different functions
- Strategies for navigating federal, state, and local elections
How to Raise a Citizen is a roadmap to a future where political dialogue and civic engagement are not just encouraged but celebrated in our homes. With actionable advice and easy-to-understand explanations, it empowers readers to instill a sense of civic responsibility and curiosity in the young minds they influence.
Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone committed to cultivating an informed and active citizenry, this book is an indispensable resource for guiding children to understand, appreciate, and participate in the democratic process. Equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies to raise engaged citizens in today's politically charged world by adding How to Raise a Citizen to your library.
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Seitenzahl: 388
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Talking About Politics and Government Doesn't Have to Feel Bad
Partisanship and Polarization
This Might Sound Like a Lot of Work …
Chapter Map
What Is a Citizen? A Note on Terminology
Conclusion
Notes
PART I: The Civic Know-How Crisis: Causes, Consequences, and the Role of Parents
CHAPTER 1: The State of the Citizenry and Risks of Civic Disengagement
What We Don't Know
Youth Political Knowledge and Voter Participation
State Variation in Civics Requirements
Nationwide Civics Performance: AP U.S. Government and Politics and the National Assessment of Educational Progress
The Nation's Report Card
Impact of Low Civic Know-How—Distrust, Vulnerability to Manipulation, Disempowerment
Not Knowing Creates a Worse Politics
It's Up to Us to Change
Notes
CHAPTER 2: Routes to Our Civic Deficit
Intricate by Design: The U.S. System Can Be Tough to Understand
The “Shh” Tradition: Not Talking About Politics
Hating Politics: Talking About Politics in a Negative Way
School's Out: Why Our Schools Can't Do This Work
A Short History of Public Schools and Civic Orientation
The Rise of Standardized Tests and Curricular Crowd Out
Pushing Civics out of Schools: Testing Today
Pushing Civics out of Schools: A Century of Challenges in the Courts
Pushing Civics out of Schools: Parental Blowback
Conclusion
Notes
CHAPTER 3: Why Parents Must Be Agents of Change
Parents Shape the Way Children Dream: Firefighter, Police, or Politician?
Children Are Inadvertently Curious About “Politics”
Older Children Want to Know About Politics
Talking About Politics Allows Our Kids to Be Better Advocates and to Develop Important Life Skills
Having a Better Understanding About Politics Contributes to Positive Mental Health
Talking About Politics Helps Kids Get into College
Talking About Politics with Your Kids Is Good for You Too
No One Knows Everything
Not Raising Clones
Conclusion
Notes
CHAPTER 4: How to Have Political Conversations
Talking About Politics and Government with Kids of Different Ages
Young Childhood, 5–9 Years Old
Adolescents, 10–14 Years Old
Teens and Young Adults, 15–18
Across All Ages
How to Talk About Politics and Government
Questions to Ask
Style and Approach
Complaint Reframing
How Can You and Your Child Find the Same Information to Talk About?
Dealing with Apathy
Addressing Extremism
How to Be Heard and Create Change as a Child
Reaching Out to Elected Officials
Petitions
Protest
Campaigning
Art for Change
It Is Necessary That You Do This Work with Your Children
Notes
PART II: A Short Primer in U.S. Government: From Understanding to Action
CHAPTER 5: What You and Your Kids Need to Know
Democratic Republicanism
Citizen Participation and Popular Sovereignty
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
The Rule of Law and Equality in Application
Conclusion
Note
CHAPTER 6: Voting and Navigating Elections
How to Register to Vote
How to Vote
Preparing to Vote—Talk It Out with Your Kids!
Primaries Versus General Elections
Federal, State, and Local Elections
The Presidential Election
Concluding Thoughts
Notes
CHAPTER 7: The Constitution
The Origins of the Constitution
Article 1 – The Legislative Branch
Article 2 – The Executive Branch
Article 3 – The Judiciary
Article 4 – The States
Article 5 – Amendments
Article 6 – Debts, Supremacy, Oaths
Article 7 – Ratification
The Bill of Rights
Beyond the Bill of Rights
Conclusion
Notes
CHAPTER 8: Federalism and Who Is Responsible for What
Divisions of Government Powers
Specific Issue Areas
National Security and Foreign Policy
Immigration
Taxes
The Economy
Healthcare Policy
Environmental Policy
Social Policies
Infrastructure Policy
Public Safety and Policing
Education and Schools
Federalism as an Evolving Principle
Notes
CHAPTER 9: Where to Go from Here
Note
More Praise for
How to Raise a Citizen
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1.1 State civics requirements in the U.S. states.
FIGURE 1.2 High school enrollment vs. AP Government enrollment (2019).
FIGURE 1.3 National average Advance Placement (AP) test scores across subjec...
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4.1 The 2022 winning “I Voted” sticker for Ulster County, designed by...
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Begin Reading
More Praise for How to Raise a Citizen
End User License Agreement
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Praise for How to Raise a Citizen
“In How to Raise a Citizen, Cormack explores the urgent need for effective civic attention in our homes. With democratic engagement at a critical juncture, this book serves as a guide for parents striving to fill the gaps left by formal education systems in political and civic understanding. This book provides practical strategies to help parents pass on the foundational knowledge every young adult should have before stepping out into the world in order to be as powerful as possible. More importantly, it emphasizes the skill of engaging in respectful, informed discussions, a key component of democratic participation. How to Raise a Citizen is more than just a parenting guide—it's a tool to nurture the next generation of informed, engaged, and responsible citizens, ready to contribute to a more functional democracy.”
—Dolly Chugh, author of The Person You Mean to Be and A More Just Future, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business
“We all have the power to build a better democracy—and it begins at home. But if it feels like the only thing more complicated than parenting is our polarized and complex political system, Lindsey Cormack makes the never-more-essential task of civics education come alive in this passionate and nonpartisan how-to manual for inspiring our kids about the possibilities of democracy. Bonus point: It doubles as a master class for parents, as well. Our politics might be brutish, and too many Thanksgiving dinners have been ruined by red vs. blue food fights. But what Cormack understands is that democracy dies in silence, and that parents need to do this job because no one else will. Follow her advice and something important will be fun, get your kids talking, and maybe inspire them for life. Our national conversation starts with you.”
—David Daley,best-selling author of Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy
“Cormack makes a compelling case that parents play a vital role in raising engaged citizens. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for parents who know our kids need to be more involved in our democracy, but don't know where to start.”
—Julie Lythcott-Haims,New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult
“This book will inspire parents to raise civically minded children in a me-first world. Written by a sensitive parent and political scientist, it offers practical guidance for discussing politics and government with children in a way that prepares them to become balanced, active citizens instead of passive or polarized ones.”
—William J. Doherty, PhD,professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota and co-founder of Braver Angels
“I've already started incorporating Lindsey's tactics from How to Raise a Citizen in my parenting! My 1-year-old daughter and 5-year-old-son are listening and engaging in conversations about voting, political leadership, and the issues they care most about. I hope many parents take on this incredible responsibility as we shape the next generation of voters, policymakers, and political leaders.”
—Sara Guillermo, CEO of Ignite
“In this timely, readable book, Professor Lindsey Cormack reminds us that preserving democracy requires purposeful, lifelong learning and practice. Yet, we often fail to equip our children with the knowledge and tools they need to become empowered citizens. With practical wisdom and relatable advice, Cormack provides parents with a roadmap to help their children grow into adults capable of fixing our broken politics and safeguarding our democratic traditions.”
—Andrew Buher, Princeton University
“Breaking away from traditional parenting or how to understand politics books, Lindsey Cormack takes the reader on a journey that provides parents conversational structures and topics to use with their children when talking about politics. The age-appropriate guides and multiple topic areas Cormack discusses for federal, state, and local-level politics serve as a nice introduction for understanding how politics works and how we can get engaged in politics with our children.”
—Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, professor and department chair, Department of Applied Communication, University of Arkansas, Little Rock; Braver Angels national volunteer leader
“A parenting book like no other, How to Raise a Citizen offers a nonpartisan toolkit for parents trying to raise kids who become not just good adults, but effective, civically engaged citizens.”
—Elizabeth Doll, director of Braver Politics at Braver Angels
“In this timely and much-needed book, Lindsey Cormack, an expert on American politics, reminds us that the responsibility of parenting our democracy didn't end with the founders of our country: it's all our responsibility to pass the torch of democracy on to the next generation by parenting our children to be effective democratic citizens. Readers of Cormack's imaginative book will learn why it's important for parents to accept this core responsibility, how they can raise children to be more effective citizens, and how they can keep democracy's light burning bright by doing so.”
—David Darmofal, University of South Carolina
“This book is an absolute revolution! How to Raise a Citizen is an incisive and easy to follow roadmap for a saner political future for us and our kids.”
—Brandon Rottinghaus, professor of political science, University of Houston
“With the heart of a parent and the rigor of a social scientist, Lindsey Cormack guides us through how to prepare our children for the rewards and challenges of citizenship in the twenty-first century. If we follow her advice, we will create a better democracy, one child at a time.”
—Christopher A. Cooper, Madison Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs, Western Carolina University
“Lindsey Cormack has written the guidebook parents need to help their kids cut through the political noise and to understand our complicated governance system. That's an achievement and a great service.”
—Kevin R. Kosar, editor, UnderstandingCongress.org.
“Lindsey Cormack has shown an in-depth understanding of our national and state governments and our political system since high school. It has been her lifelong passion as a student, a professor, and now as a parent. In How to Raise a Citizen, Professor Cormack gives parents, and dare I say teachers new to the profession, the who, why, what, and how to overcome the continued decline in knowledge of our government and political system. Rather than ‘fearing and avoiding,’ Cormack strives to help us ‘understand and embrace’ politics. Lindsey Cormack's book, How to Raise a Citizen, helps us keep our republic.”
—Ken S. Thomas, executive director, Johnson County First Amendment Foundation, Kansas First Amendment Foundation
“This book offers a blueprint for parents, blending meticulous research with practical advice, to ensure that family discussions about politics nurture informed, engaged future citizens capable of safeguarding and enriching democracy in America.”
—Yphtach Lelkes, associate professor, Annenberg School for Communication and Political Science, University of Pennsylvania
“Professor Lindsey Cormack reminds us that saving our democracy starts at home. How to Raise a Citizen is a vital resource for parents who want their kids to be curious, informed, and engaged.”
—Christian Vanderbrouk,contributor to The Bulwark and former George W. Bush appointee
How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It)
Lindsey Cormack
Copyright © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.
ISBNs: 9781394278701 (Cloth), 9781394278725 (ePDF), 9781394278718 (ePub)
Trademarks: Wiley and the Wiley logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
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Library of Congress Control Number Is Available.
COVER DESIGN: PAUL MCCARTHY
PAPER BACKGROUND: © GETTY IMAGES
KATSUMI MUROUCHI
To my child, and to yours—may they grow to lead with knowledge and know-how.
Acknowledgments
This project has been one of the best experiences of my life, and it would not have been possible without the support and insight of many incredible individuals. I firmly believe that educating our children about the government that governs them is necessary for creating a fair and just society. Everyone deserves to know the rules of the game that they are playing. And although reaching this reality is challenging in our current context, I am inspired by the dedication of parents everywhere who strive to better the world for their children and work to prepare their kids to be as powerful as possible.
I extend my biggest thanks to my daughter, who has patiently listened to various iterations of this project over the years. My gratitude also goes to my undergraduate students, both those well versed and those less familiar with the subject, whose perspectives have underscored the importance of this work. I owe a special thank you to the Stevens Institute of Technology for providing both the environment to explore this field and the sabbatical that was instrumental in completing this project.
My research assistants—Alana Schmitt, Madison Russo, Jenna Booth, Stephanie Ross, Elizabeth Garcia, and Matthew Roberts—were invaluable in conducting numerous interviews and aiding in various aspects of the research for this manuscript.
I am also grateful to have some of the best colleagues—Kristyn Karl, Ashley Lytle, Nancy Nowacek, and Lainie Fefferman—who stepped in to take over things in my absence and who have supported the development of this book and our greater efforts in creating a robust college experience for our students.
I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to my high school social studies and government teacher, Ken Thomas, for setting me on this path. Likewise, I am grateful to my University of Kansas professors—Erik Herron, Fiona Yap, Scott Harris, and Dorothy Pennington—for expanding my knowledge beyond what I learned in high school and for making my dream about a role in academia achievable. I also extend my thanks to the faculty of the NYU politics department, specifically Jonathan Nagler, Patrick Egan, Sandy Gordon, and Howard Rosenthal, for their belief in me throughout the PhD program.
My editor, Kelly Clancy, was the best person I could have worked with for understanding and refining the writing of this book; and my agent, Amanda Bernardi, has significantly enhanced the entire book process. The text has been made cleaner and clearer by Julie Kerr. Everyone I've worked with at Wiley, Jossey-Bass, and High Line Literary Collective has been good to me and I'm thrilled they have believed in this project.
I would also like to thank my friends and family, who have heard me talk about this project for years. Elizabeth Shah and Niral Shah heard many different ideas and helped refine my thinking; they have also cared for me and my daughter in a way that let me have more time to write. Melodia Gurevich has been the biggest cheerleader and amplifier of this project. Kevin Hylant and Madison Telles have been the biggest personal supporters for me during this process. Nicole Ryan and Sarah Vacchiano have inspired me to just do the work I wanted to do.
To those who have shown me the power and limits of local government and organizing—especially Tricia Shimamura, Dov Gibor, and Patrick Bobilin—thank you.
My book and dinner club members Michelle Durham, Patricia Durham, Rachel Spooner, Meagan Dobler, Ilana Goldfarb, and Rebecca Mulder have been willing political conversationalists during this effort. Matt Cormack has been a co-parent and person open to modeling how to talk about politics in front of and with our daughter. And I should thank all the other people—both in person and online—who have let me tell them the three-minute version of this book, I have learned so much from getting feedback from others.
I am thankful that the final stages of editing were made so much sweeter with flower deliveries. Having my days brightened with blooms continued to remind me of the process of growth and care.
In a world where many feel that aspects of our politics are broken, I maintain hope in the democratic system and the ongoing experiment that is the United States. Parents have the best opportunity to act as agents of change. By stepping in and stepping up, they can help mend our politics by taking on the challenge of talking about these things with their children.
Introduction
I started writing this book when my daughter, nicknamed Bunny, was eight years old. Throughout her life, I've read numerous “how-to” books: how to establish a sleep routine, how to do potty training, how to handle tantrums, how to teach her to read, and how to brace for the challenges of adolescence. However, along the journey of raising her, I realized there was a significant gap in both our how-to books and society. We do not have collective habits in how to prepare children to be engaged, active participants in our democracy.
Every year, I get to engage with a new set of 18- to 22-year-old students in my Introduction to U.S. Politics class. My younger students have just ventured out of their family homes and are learning to run their own schedules, take care of themselves, and navigate the world with increased independence. My older students are more focused on securing their future after college, having already become adept at managing these daily tasks. Regardless of age, up until this point, most of my students haven't had intentional discussions with any adults, including their parents, about what it means to be a citizen.
Many of our college-aged students don't know how to vote, haven't read the Constitution, aren't aware of the local political offices responsible for quality-of-life decisions, lack understanding of the division of responsibilities, have never pondered the concept of federalism, and have formed their view of the court system based on television dramas. It's not anyone's fault in particular, but collectively, we all bear some responsibility.
I don't mean to place blame on parents by pointing this out. In many ways, today's parents have been let down by school systems and social norms that didn't prioritize civic education during our own upbringing. However, parents have an essential role to play in rectifying this situation. Given the broken state of our politics, it's necessary that parents step up to the task.
It wasn't until I began to be asked by elementary schools to prepare civics lessons that I truly considered writing a book for parents. I had the inkling that something like this would be helpful after five or so years of teaching college students who do not know the difference between the House and Senate, but it was in working directly with younger kids that I knew something like this needed to be written.
The purpose of this book is to provide parents with a framework for having discussions about government and politics with their children in a way that feels fun and connective. It's also meant to encourage you to do this work.
As parents with children under 18, we are all raising citizens, but often not intentionally. Many of us belong to the Gen X, Millennial, and now Gen Z cohorts, who were discouraged from discussing politics to avoid disagreements and often lack a lot of political and government knowledge ourselves.
In a time when politics feel contentious, if not disastrous, the ability to pass on civic know-how and model how to have difficult conversations are incredibly important things to give to our kids. By being capable and willing to talk about politics and government with our children, we empower them to navigate politics successfully and in turn lead better lives.
As I often tell my students, politics is going to happen to us whether we like it or not, so we might as well understand how the system works.
Political discussions make many of us uncomfortable, and some of us were brought up believing that these topics were off-limits. This must change. While many assume schools will adequately teach students how to hold elected officials accountable through voting, or even the very basics of our system, the reality falls short. As parents, we have to step in. If you feel like you don't know enough about government yourself, get ready to put that feeling away, because none of this is that hard to understand. When you're done with this book you will be ready to talk about politics and government with your kids and hopefully be convinced that you'll be doing them an enormous favor in doing so.
Talking About Politics and Government Doesn't Have to Feel Bad
As someone who works in and studies this field professionally, I assure you that politics doesn't have to feel as dire as it sometimes does. As a mom and a professor of politics, I understand what it takes to talk to kids about politics, and in this book, I will guide you on what we, as parents, need to meet this moment. But I also know it's an uphill battle, because for many of us politics and government are things we avoid talking about.
For many of us even the mention of politics is annoying. Sure, sure, following the news is important, but understanding or caring about politics? That's pointless! Nothing ever changes! It's picking the least bad of two awful candidates! It's all rigged! They only care about themselves! It's the dirtiest industry there is! Nothing I do matters, why should I care?
These are exactly the thoughts that allow us to have the politics that we do. And many of those who are in positions of power now are just fine with that. The fewer people who know the rules, the less oversight any member of the government has. That's not good, and it's certainly not the world I want to be living in. It's not good for us parents, and it's not good for our children.
Things feel bad when we don't understand them; they feel out of control when we feel insignificant and unable to change things and things are not going “our way.” I get why politics can feel like that for many of us. There's also a winning or losing aspect of elections that can be defeating if you find yourself on the losing end.
To start, try thinking about politics as a moving pendulum rather than a set game that is won or lost. Politics is certainly a game, but not one with fixed or forever “winners” and “losers.” It's a game that we influence, and we can change. It's a pendulum in that it's forever moving, but unlike a clock that is set to tell time consistently, the forces that move the system are people who move inconsistently. There will be times that feel like wins and times that feel like losses, but knowing that the outcome is not preordained and instead up to us to shape is quite powerful to consider.
Talking politics can feel bad because we might disagree with someone, or not have a common starting point, or feel out of our depth in the discussion because it might be complicated. But here's the thing, no one ever knows everything about a political issue—or really any issue. We don't need to go into political discussions thinking we need to “win” or be right. Doing that only increases the likelihood that there are expectations and the potential for huge letdowns anyway. Instead of succumbing to feelings of despair, distrust, and outrage when you hear the word politics, try to think about a political discussion as a way to learn something new about a topic or at least the way another person views the topic.
It's truly an amazing power to be alive in a democracy today, but it's one that many of us decide to opt out of because it feels bad. But that doesn't have to be the case. If you work to reorient your perspective on politics and government, as something to learn and pass on to your kids, it can actually feel pretty great. You will be doing yourself a service, and one for your kids as well as the wider community. This book aims to guide you through the process with patience and provide you with the tools to navigate politics in a more informed and empowered way.
You might not consider yourself the epitome of an always voting, always engaged citizen, but that shouldn't discourage you from working on your parenting skills in this area. We are all living our own unique forms of citizenship and learning how to exercise our own power. By imparting these lessons to your children, you not only strengthen your own abilities but also theirs.
Partisanship and Polarization
It's hard to escape the sense of fractiousness and polarization in our politics. Most of our media exacerbates this feeling with demonizing headlines, despair, outrage, and personally insulting debates meant to show us who's “right” and “wrong.” And partisanship—the labels of Republican and Democrat—dominates national politics.
As you read this book, you'll notice it's not about raising children to align with a particular political party, but about raising engaged and informed citizens. I'm confident that parents with their own political leanings will find opportunities for discussions about partisanship. But I'll note that emerging research suggests that attempts to steer our children toward a specific political party can backfire.1
This doesn't mean that partisan divisions and polarization aren't pressing issues—they are. However, one way to address the ugliest aspects of our politics is by better understanding the underlying structures. Regardless of your political orientation, knowing how our government is structured is valuable because it allows you to better understand why things do or do not happen, and what you can do to change that. When children have a more comprehensive view of government and politics, they can develop their own political agency, and that's really what we want for our kids. Raising a child is all about giving them the tools to act as their own agent of their lives; by equipping them to understand politics, we give them another form of power.
My focus is on ensuring that everyone who is entitled to participate in and be affected by the outcomes of our political system understands the rules of the game. And because it's often the young and newly eligible voters who miss out on this knowledge, it's up to us as parents to work on remedying things. Our efforts as parents should focus on establishing a baseline of knowledge and encouraging our children to contemplate fundamental questions about government while teaching them how to have conversations on difficult subjects.
This Might Sound Like a Lot of Work …
Before we jump in, let me make one thing clear: I'm not here to add to the overwhelming and never-ending list of parenting expectations. My goal isn't to dictate how or when you should discuss politics with your kids. Instead, I want to encourage you to maintain an ongoing and open dialogue while giving you the strategies and knowledge to do so.
In today's parenting, there's often a tendency to shelter children from difficult situations and shield them from having to think about hard topics. While this approach may enhance their physical safety, it can also hinder their ability to navigate the complexities of life that previous generations of children had to face. Parents unintentionally shield their kids from tough topics by avoiding discussions about current events or controversial political issues altogether.
Let's say there's a significant political event happening in the country, such as a presidential election. Instead of engaging their children in age-appropriate discussions about these topics, many parents might choose to avoid the topic completely, believing that the kids are too young or that it's not their place to be involved. Parents may avoid watching the news or discussing such matters in their household, effectively limiting their children's exposure to different perspectives and critical-thinking opportunities. While the intention might be to protect the child's innocence or maintain a sense of stability, it can result in a lack of understanding and awareness about the world around them, ultimately depriving them of the chance to develop their own informed opinions and participate as a citizen.
Though shielding means that parents may avoid uncomfortable discussions, the strategy just doesn't work in the long run. Kids have a way of finding out about politics, whether it's through overhearing a news broadcast while visiting a grandparent, scrolling through social media, listening in on conversations between older siblings and their friends, or engaging in discussions with other children at school. Children are sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings. So, even if we try to shield them, they will inevitably stumble upon political topics. That's why it's better for us, as trusted sources in their lives, to be the ones who help them approach these topics in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner.
Just like with discussions about drugs and sex, avoiding politics won't keep our children in the dark. They will find out from other sources, and those sources may not provide accurate or balanced information—just ask a history teacher about how TikTok influencers are changing their jobs in the classroom. As parents, we have the opportunity to create a safe and calm setting where we can discuss politics and government with our children, providing them with a rooted understanding of these topics over a long time horizon. We can establish ground rules, share our knowledge and perspectives, and help them navigate the complexities of the political landscape. While we can't control the eventual outcome or their ultimate opinions, we can give them the tools to make informed decisions and participate in civic life.
Chapter Map
This book is structured for your convenience, allowing you to select sections that align with your specific needs. The first sections describe the current level of political knowledge among our youth and underscore why schools fall short in delivering adequate civic education. I then make the case for why parents should be agents of change, and present frameworks that show parents how to do that.
The second part of the book serves as a politics and government primer, offering a refresher on the basics of our system. If you feel the need to brush up on certain topics before getting into conversations with your children, this section will provide you with the necessary information. Already consider yourself a constitutional buff? Great! Then you've got a good way to start on that topic with your kids and you can instead dive in on other topics that you might not feel so secure in.
Chapter 1 sheds light on the concerning lack of knowledge about politics and government among the general population. Decades of research show a disheartening truth: fewer than half of U.S. adults possess a basic understanding of our government's structure. As federal politics often dominates the headlines, the lack of awareness regarding local and state governance is even more glaring. A significant number of people struggle to name their state representatives, identify their state's governor, or grasp the legislative processes within their own state.
This dearth of political knowledge poses a problem as it directly affects participation, particularly among first-time and younger voters. When people don't fully comprehend how the electoral system operates, they are less likely to engage and exercise their right to vote. And this is detrimental to our democracy.
In this chapter, I discuss various issues associated with an underdeveloped understanding of politics. Limited civic participation is one consequence, as is vulnerability to manipulation and misinformation, as well as the erosion of trust in government. The repercussions of our civic deficit extend beyond mere mistrust and misunderstanding. Unfortunately, we have witnessed incidents in recent years where mistrust of government has escalated into acts of intimidation and violence. If a significant portion of the population feels disengaged and disempowered, our political system will end up representing only the interests of a dedicated few, leaving many others feeling resentful. This not only harms our society but also exacerbates existing inequalities. It's a problem worth paying attention to as a parent.
In Chapter 2, I outline the reasons behind our deficit in political know-how: the complexity of the U.S. system, a generational aversion to discussing politics, ineffective strategies for political conversations, and the misplaced reliance on schools to teach political knowledge.
The first hurdle is the complexity of our political system. It can be overwhelming, especially for people who are not deeply involved in politics, to fully grasp the workings of our system. But fear not! In the second part of this book, I'll show you that there are fundamental pieces of information that can empower even the greenest novices among us to become effective and competent citizens.
Second, there is historical taboo surrounding political conversations. Outdated etiquette rules, many rooted in the nineteenth century, discouraged criticism, nuanced discussions, and the exploration of different opinions. These so-called “politeness” norms have hindered our ability to engage in open discourse. Without this sort of practice in place for generations, a lot of us parents simply don't know where to start. I emphasize the need to challenge these norms and engage in conversations about the governance of our country. I address the common tendency for parents to shy away from discussing politics with their children. While age-appropriate discussions are important, completely avoiding political issues can limit a child's understanding of the world. We need to introduce fundamental concepts of citizenship, democratic values, and respectful engagement, gradually expanding the discussions as our children grow older.
Third, we have an issue with our discourse. Problems arise when we don't talk politics at all with our children or when we get wrapped up in the negative, and oftentimes denigrating, side of things. When we focus solely on the negative aspects of politics and government, we inadvertently discourage our children from considering careers in these fields. But as parents, we want to inspire them to become future leaders who can tackle society's greatest challenges. We need to teach them about the process. Instead of exposing them primarily to sensational news headlines based on outrage and knee-jerk reactions, parents can provide a balanced perspective that instills curiosity and a desire to actively participate.
Finally, our schools are not up to this task. Many dedicated educators would love schools to be robust sites of civic learning, but pressures to increase test scores and the fear of blowback from angry parents have forced many schools to scale back their civic focus.
Chapter 3 argues that it's time to recognize the incredible power we have as parents to be catalysts for change. Whether we've hesitated due to concerns about politeness, frustrations with the state of politics, or even our own uncertainties, we need to understand the importance of engaging our children in political conversations. Our goal should not be to raise children who simply echo our political beliefs, but to nurture informed and engaged citizens who can think critically and form their own conclusions.
As parents, we can engage in years of meaningful conversations with our children. We must provide our children with the tools and knowledge to talk about politics confidently and navigate our complex systems. Leaving this void unfilled and allowing others to shape their views is not a promising approach. Just like discussing important topics such as drugs and sex, having a trusted guiding hand when it comes to politics is necessary. And that's where parents step in. By initiating conversations about politics and government early on, we can shape the way our children dream, think, and create a brighter political environment for everyone. It may seem daunting at first, but it's a responsibility we should embrace.
In Chapter 4, I provide a set of frameworks to have meaningful conversations about politics and government with your kids. Whether you're a political enthusiast or feel uncertain about these topics, you'll find valuable guidance to navigate these discussions.
If you're passionate and well informed about politics, seize the opportunity to share your expertise and help your kids understand different perspectives. If you have reservations or lack familiarity with political topics, don't let that discourage you. This chapter emphasizes the importance of overcoming hesitations and offers strategies for researching and learning together with your children. Remember, this is a journey of exploration and growth for both you and your kids.
While some topics may be more challenging to discuss with children, this chapter doesn't just provide you with a static script or a checklist of topics to cover. Instead, it's a set of adaptable conversation structures that you can use. These structures will allow you to address a wide range of emerging topics, whether it's issues of political violence and war, expression and equality, or opportunity and prosperity. The goal is to give you a set of starting points that can be customized to fit any conversation.
To ensure that the conversations are age appropriate, I provide guidance on what to discuss with children of different ages. Drawing insights from political socialization research, I categorize discussions into three age groups: young grade school kids (ages 5–9), preadolescents and young adolescents (ages 10–14), and more independent teenagers (ages 15–18). By tailoring the conversations to each age group's specific needs, you can provide information that is suitable for their developmental stage. This chapter also gives examples of how kids can influence politics, even when they're not yet eligible to vote.
In the second part of the book, Chapters 5–9, I'll dig into what your children need to know before they step out into the world to be informed participants in our political system. I'll provide you with a set of basic concepts and details that will empower your kids to handle politics with ease, regardless of where they choose to make their lives. These chapters serve as a guide for anyone looking to refresh their knowledge and understanding of politics and government.
Chapter 5 first spells out the things that you and your kids need to know to be as effective in politics as possible. If you take nothing else from this book, take that list and make sure you and your kids figure out a way to understand the five necessary things to know to make sense of our politics. The chapter then gets into the foundational principles that shape the U.S. government. This includes concepts like republicanism, democracy, and majority rule—the fundamental ideas that help us understand how our government works. This chapter is designed to make things more accessible for parents, making it easier for you to answer your children's questions. By getting a grasp on the basic principles, you'll be quicker to figure out specific political issues because you'll have a working framework for bigger picture questions.
Voting is at the heart of democracy, and Chapter 6 is all about demystifying the process. From understanding how to register and participate in elections to exploring different election structures like primaries and caucuses you'll leave this chapter with the knowledge needed to engage in the electoral process effectively.
In Chapter 7, I explain the components of the U.S. Constitution. I provide an overview of the core document and its amendments, giving you and your kids a solid understanding of this essential document that shapes our government.
Chapter 8 examines federalism and the division of power between the federal, state, and local governments. While national politics often grab the headlines, it's necessary to recognize the significant work happening at the state and local levels. In this chapter, I discuss the roles and responsibilities of each level of government, shedding light on how they work together to serve the needs of the people.
By understanding who is responsible for what, you and your kids can make informed decisions and know whom to reach out to when you want to make a change in your community. You'll also find that if you investigate the local politics in your area, most of the people operating at that level don't seem as monstrous as the stories that we are told about federal politicians. Most of the people serving in government—whether in elected or appointed positions—truly believe that they are trying to make their part of the world better and generally try to do right by those who elected them to power.
Finally, in Chapter 9, I conclude with a hopeful outlook on the transformation that can occur in American politics with more interested and prepared participants. I address the common misconception that politics is pointless and emphasize that it is, in fact, practical for shaping our communities and laws. I highlight the significance of political preparedness in tackling the complex issues our society faces. By becoming knowledgeable and engaged, we can bridge the gap between our wishes and making real change happen.
No matter your political persuasion, knowledge is key to fully realizing your share of political power. And when it comes to specific political goals, involving your whole family in the process makes it even more impactful. Your own kids likely have ideas for improvements they'd like to see in their communities, whether it's more park space, a later school arrival time, or healthier lunch options. By engaging in discussions about politics and government, you can help them bridge the gap between their aspirations and making change happen.
What Is a Citizen? A Note on Terminology
When I use the term citizen
