Democracy is not something people are born knowing. It has to be learned – and practised. Across the United States and beyond, teachers are finding creative ways to help young people do exactly that.
Students in the hearing room
The Center for Civic Education, founded in 1965, runs We the People, a programme on the history and principles of constitutional democracy. It ends with simulated congressional hearings, where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress. The Center reports that its programmes have engaged 50 million students and trained 440,000 teachers – and that 92% of participants go on to vote.
Civics for All
New York City Public Schools run a Civics for All initiative that aims to give every student access to high-quality civic education. Each year, Civics Week celebrates youth voice and the importance of registering to vote – in 2026 it took place from 9 to 13 March. Through participatory budgeting, students even decide how real money is spent in their schools.
A funding gap worth closing
Civic education still receives far less support than other subjects. Facing History & Ourselves points to research estimating that civics is funded at around 5 cents per student, compared with about $50 per student for STEM. Many educators argue that strengthening civic learning – in a non-partisan way – is one of the best investments a democracy can make.
What students can do now
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- Join or start a student council or debate club.
- Take part in a model parliament, model UN or mock election.
- Interview a local politician or election official for a school project.
- Learn how your country’s elections work – and explain it to someone else.
At 360 Democracy Now we want to hear from young people and teachers. Tell us how democracy is taught in your school – wherever you are in the world.
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