Civics education provides citizens
with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities,
the organization of government units, and the
functioning of the legislative, administrative, and
judicial branches. In a democracy, such education is
vital to ensure that citizens make informed choices
when electing their representatives. Moreover, civic
education teaches citizens about their civic
responsibilities, such as maintaining clean
surroundings, reporting outbreaks or epidemics, and
adhering to laws that regulate the preparation and
sale of foodstuffs.
However, the study of civics alone
cannot make citizens intelligent, enlightened, and
wide-awake. The success of civic education depends
on how citizens apply the knowledge they acquire.
Unfortunately, some citizens engage in tax evasion
and black market activities, and election campaigns
are often dishonest. It takes moral courage to
practice what one has learned from civics education,
but the lack of civic consciousness has resulted in
wars and other conflicts.
In conclusion, the study of civics
is crucial for the effective functioning of a
democracy. It equips citizens with knowledge of
their rights and responsibilities and encourages
them to make informed decisions when electing their
representatives. However, the success of civics
education depends on citizens' moral courage to put
their knowledge into practice.
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