Resources to Support Civic Engagement
Civics Lessons: Discover What Every Citizen Should Know About The United States
Civics is not taught in many states. Yet it’s vitally important. We can choose and enjoy good educational content about American government structure and civics, like the following:
Illustration of Separation of Powers in the United States, to learn how checks and balances work, and the US government structure
The John Green Crash Course Series, on YouTube, especially #8 The Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism: Crash Course US History
For critical information about the Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances in the United States political system, view content from the National Constitution Center, especially the video Separation of Powers/Constitution 101
No More Kings- Schoolhouse Rock Boston Tea Party- an oldie but a goodie following the birth of the American president.
Resources
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How to Vote
The most important and most necessary act any citizen in a democracy can perform is to vote. Look here to learn where you should register, and vote based on your location. Other non-partisan organizations related to voting include Vote Riders, the Brennan Center, and Vote Latino.
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Fact Check Every Day
Don’t get all your news from unreliable or biased sources. Do check what you read or hear. Many outlets provide context and evaluate claims made by politicians and their supporters. If you know what the “pants on fire” test says, you can make an informed decision in November. Our favorite fact checking sites include Politifact, FactCheck, and Snopes. For information about money fueling politics, view OpenSecrets and the Sunlight Foundation. For unbiased analysis on media bias, check out Media Bias Fact Check and AllSides.
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Civil, Positive Discourse
The United States suffers from polarization due to factors including hyper-partisanship, social media, fake news, disinformation, and challenging global issues. To see what’s likely to happen to civil discourse in coming Trump administration; for information about why we have to change this dynamic and how to do it, visit the Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy, Crossing Party Lines and Protect Democracy, or watch the documentary “America’s Great Divide”.
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“Knowledge itself is power.”