erman philosopher Fichte said, “knowledge is itself a branch of human culture.” The purpose of the universities is “to cultivate learning in the deepest and broadest sense of the word,” not for some practical or utilitarian end, but for its own sake as “preparatory material of spiritual, moral and civic education.”

Since the discourse began with Prussians, let’s talk a bit about them and their history. Historian Thomas Nipperdey says probably nothing would have happened without Napoleon and the crushing defeats he imposed on Prussia. After there was Napoleon, reformers swept into power.

The country’s collapse, they believed, had stemmed from the ‘rotten core’ of the Frederician garrison-state with its emphasis on “mechanical obedience and iron discipline.” A moral renewal was needed and that included education. That was brought about on three fronts: organisational, administrative and ideological.

Old, weak institutions were abolished; others were amalgamated; and new universities founded in Berlin and Bonn. Circumstances were turned around because of the universities that began to create a ‘citizenry.’ For that civic education was deemed sine qua non.

Societies have long had an interest in the ways in which their young are prepared for citizenship and in how they learn to take part in civic life. Today that interest might better be described as a concern; in fact, as a growing concern, particularly in democratic societies.

There is evidence aplenty that no country has achieved the level of understanding and acceptance of the rights and responsibilities among all its citizens that is required for the maintenance and improvement of a constitutional democracy.

Civics is the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in a society. The term derives from the Latin word civicus, meaning “relating to a citizen”. The term relates to behaviour affecting other citizens, particularly in the context of urban development.

Civic education provides civic skills that enable students to learn how to communicate with others; take part in one’s commonwealth; and think critically about civic life. Preparing students for citizenship is an important task that often gets neglected.

Civic education should be our prime concern. The task of developing an informed, effective, and responsible citizenry is very important. Democracies are sustained by citizens who have the requisite knowledge, skills and dispositions.

Without a reasoned commitment on the part of its citizens to the fundamental values and principles of democracy, a free and open society cannot succeed. It is imperative, therefore, that educators, policymakers and members of civil society make the case and ask for the support of civic education from all segments of society and from the widest range of institutions and governments.

Good civic education cultivates critical thinking skills necessary for informed citizenship. These skills involve identifying, explaining, analysing, evaluating and defending positions on public matters. Civic education enables individuals to comprehend tangible and intangible aspects of society, such as symbols, ideas and concepts like patriotism and civil rights.

Recognising emotional language and symbols is crucial. Analysing and explaining concepts like the federal system or checks and balances enhances citizens’ ability to detect and address issues.

Citizens must evaluate, take and defend positions to engage effectively in self-governance. These skills are vital for assessing public agenda issues, making judgments and discussing them with others.

Beyond knowledge, citizenship education should focus on skills for political participation and civil engagement. These skills encompass interacting, monitoring and influencing. Interacting involves communication, cooperation and conflict resolution. Monitoring entails tracking political and governmental actions. Influencing encompasses affecting formal and informal governance processes.

Developing participatory skills should start early and continue through schooling. Young students should learn interaction and conflict management. Older students should gain skills in monitoring and influencing public policy.

To impact political life and policies, citizens must broaden their participatory skills, including petitioning, speaking before public bodies and forming coalitions, in addition to voting. These skills can be systematically developed to empower citizens in shaping their society.

Civic traits develop gradually through experiences in homes, schools, communities and civil society groups. Democracy relies on responsible self-governance. Both private and public character traits are crucial in this regard. The private traits include moral responsibility and self-discipline. The public traits involve public spiritedness, civility and respect for the rule of law. Civic dispositions are considered vital for individual political efficacy, a functioning political system, dignity and the common good. These dispositions can be summarised as:

Independent membership: Adhering to self-imposed standards, taking responsibility for actions and fulfilling moral and legal obligations.

Citizen responsibilities: Caring for oneself, family and society; being informed, voting, paying taxes and participating in public service.

Respect for others: Listening to opinions, civil behaviour, considering others’ rights and respecting majority rule while valuing minority dissent.

Thoughtful civic participation: Being informed before engaging in debate or voting; civil discourse; leadership when needed; and balancing personal interests with the public good.

Healthy democracy advocacy: Staying informed; upholding constitutional values; monitoring leaders’ adherence and advocating peaceful, legal change.

Civic dispositions, often termed “habits of the heart,” are paramount. They form the foundation of democracy, transcending knowledge and skills. As Judge Learned Hand stated, liberty resides within individuals, making constitutional safeguards secondary.

Eyler and Giles proposed a comprehensive model of citizenship that encompasses five distinct dimensions, each contributing to a well-rounded understanding of what it means to be an engaged and responsible citizen.

These dimensions provide a framework for evaluating an individual’s active participation in society and their contributions to the welfare of their community and nation. Let’s delve into each dimension:

Values: This dimension emphasises the ethical and moral principles that guide a citizen’s actions. It involves recognising the importance of civic engagement, social responsibility and contributing positively to society. Individuals with strong civic values prioritise the welfare of their community and uphold democratic ideals.

Knowledge: Knowledge is a cornerstone of effective citizenship. It involves understanding the political, social and economic structures that shape a society. Informed citizens are familiar with their rights and responsibilities, historical context, government processes and key issues affecting their communities and nations.

Skill: Citizenship requires practical skills that enable individuals to participate actively and meaningfully in civic life. These skills encompass effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and advocacy. Skilled citizens can engage in constructive dialogue, analyse complex issues and work together to address challenges.

Efficacy: Efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their capacity to make a difference and influence positive change. Citizens with a sense of efficacy feel empowered to take action, whether through voting, advocacy, community organising or other forms of civic participation. This dimension fosters a proactive and engaged attitude.

Commitment: Commitment involves a long-term dedication to the well-being of society. Committed citizens consistently contribute their time, effort and resources to initiatives that promote social justice, equality and community development. This dimension reflects a sustained engagement that goes beyond occasional involvement.

By incorporating these five dimensions into their citizenship model, Eyler and Giles provide a holistic perspective on what it means to be an active and responsible member of a democratic society. This framework acknowledges the multifaceted nature of citizenship. Values, knowledge, skills, efficacy and commitment all contribute to positive societal change.

(To be continued)

The writer is Professor in the faculty of Liberal Arts at the