Forms of government

School of thought

Civic education

Educational theory and democratic politics

It studies how knowledge, abilities, and dispositions for civic participation develop.

Historical context

Civic education has been part of republican and democratic projects with differing ideas of citizenship.

Overview

Practising deliberation, evaluating sources, and knowing institutional remedies are distinct forms of learning. Their selection depends on the participation sought and how freedom to dissent is protected.

Main claims

Political participation requires knowledge and capacities that education can help cultivate.

Debates and nuances

There are disagreements over which virtues to promote and how much room to leave for criticism.

This entry provides educational context.