[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 427 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 427

 Expressing the sense of the Senate about the importance of effective 
       civic education programs in schools in the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 29, 2014

   Mr. Cardin (for himself and Mr. Grassley) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing the sense of the Senate about the importance of effective 
       civic education programs in schools in the United States.

Whereas civic education is essential to the preservation and improvement of the 
        constitutional government of the United States;
Whereas civic education programs foster understanding of the history and 
        principles of the constitutional government of the United States, 
        including principles that are embodied in certain fundamental documents 
        and speeches, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution 
        of the United States, the Bill of Rights, the Federalist Papers, the 
        Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' 
        speech;
Whereas research shows that too few people in the United States understand basic 
        principles of the constitutional government of the United States, such 
        as the natural rights set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the 
        existence and functions of the 3 branches of the Federal Government, 
        checks and balances, and other concepts fundamental to informed 
        citizenship;
Whereas since the founding of the United States, schools in the United States 
        have had a strong civic mission to prepare students to be informed, 
        rational, humane, and involved citizens who are committed to the values 
        and principles of the constitutional government of the United States;
Whereas a free society relies on the knowledge, skills, and virtue of the 
        citizens of such society, particularly the individuals elected to public 
        office to represent such citizens;
Whereas while many institutions help to develop the knowledge and skills and 
        shape the civic character of people in the United States, schools in the 
        United States, including elementary schools, bear a special and historic 
        responsibility for the development of civic competence and civic 
        responsibility of students;
Whereas student learning is enhanced by well-designed classroom civic education 
        programs that--

    (1) incorporate instruction in government, history, law, and democracy;

    (2) promote discussion of current events and controversial issues;

    (3) link community service and the formal curriculum; and

    (4) encourage students to participate in simulations of democratic 
processes; and

Whereas research shows that the knowledge and expertise of teachers are among 
        the most important factors in increasing student achievement: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
            (1) civic education is essential to the well-being of the 
        constitutional government of the United States;
            (2) comprehensive and formal instruction in civics and 
        government provides students with a basis for understanding the 
        rights and responsibilities of citizens in the constitutional 
        government of the United States;
            (3) elementary and secondary schools in the United States 
        are encouraged to offer courses on history and theories of the 
        constitutional government of the United States, using programs 
        and curricula with a demonstrated effectiveness in fostering 
        civic competence, civic responsibility, and a reasoned 
        commitment to the fundamental values and principles underlying 
        the constitutional government of the United States; and
            (4) all teachers of civics and government are well served 
        by having access to adequate opportunities to enrich teaching 
        through professional development programs that enhance the 
        capacity of such teachers to provide effective civic education 
        in the classroom.
                                 <all>