In this study, we reflected on the process of designing and implementing a civics curriculum model focused on increasing upper-grade secondary students' involvement in local civic activity. We prioritized examining the challenges and possibilities of institutionalizing partnerships between teachers, students, community leaders, and local…

There is growing international concern about the lack of civic engagement among the youth in many nations. These concerns have sparked renewed interest in the quantity and quality of civic education in public schools in the United States. The objective of this study is to determine if the concerns about civic education are about the sufficiency of…

Despite recognition that youth civic engagement is multidimensional, different modeling approaches are rarely compared or tested for measurement invariance. Using a diverse sample of 2,467 elementary, middle, and high school-aged youth, we measured eight dimensions of civic engagement: social responsibility values, informal helping, political…

In the USA, civic involvement in adolescence includes political and nonpolitical activities. Given that identities can motivate behavior, how do political and moral identities relate to civic activity choices? In this study, high school students ("N" = 1578) were surveyed about their political and nonpolitical civic actions and their…

According to studies that have been conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, the political engagement of young people has diminished by about 50% since 1966. Studies have also revealed an increase in nonpolitical voluntarism among students who appear to see such activities as a desirable alternative to political involvement. The…

The tax revolt, which began in California with Proposition 13, represents a reversal in values among the middle class toward an 18th-century concept of possessive individualism. Government is no longer viewed as a realm for public action, but as a provider of services to private individuals. (Author/SJL)

Issues demographic experts face concerning voting rights litigation are considered, using examples from Garza v County of Los Angeles (California) (1990). Errors and the age of census figures when released mean that court decisions about appropriate population bases and thresholds will continue to vary from one location to another. (SLD)

The political learning of 2,584 children enrolled in elementary and junior high schools of southern California is explored in this report. Growth patterns of Mexican-American and Anglo-American children are studied and comparisons are made in their political orientations. Data were obtained by questionnaires administered in grades 4-8 after the…

A new method of rapid low-cost communication between government officials and citizens is proposed and outlined. Relevant facts and opposing views on an issue are sent to citizens, who then have a week to express their opinions by dialing a special televoter number which is different for every citizen. Votes are then counted by computer, and…

The goals, guidelines, policies, and philosophies of the California public schools for elementary through secondary social science education programs are reflected in this document. The framework presented illustrates ways in which the adoption of instructional materials and the development of curricula may be implemented. In addition to outlining…