NATIONAL CIVICS DAY
National Civics Day on October 27th celebrates the importance of civic education all across America. The observance also commemorates the date the Federalist Papers were first published on October 27, 1787. These documents served as a foundation for the United States Constitution.
About the Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote 85 essays under the pen name “Publius.” The essays were published in newspapers across New York State. The first essay was published on October 27, 1787. The Federalist Papers (also known as The Federalist) supported the passing of the United States Constitution and urged citizens to ratify the legislation. Hamilton, Jay, and Madison’s essays outlined the Constitution providing thorough explanations for citizens.
Civic Education
Civic education prepares students for their roles as citizens. Governments at every level are not self-sufficient organisms. They require the action of civic-minded individuals to continue a constitutional democracy. A civic-minded society understands and accepts these responsibilities and rights.
Civic education is a social science that studies the rights and obligations of citizens in society. Students benefit from a strong civics education in many ways:
- Improved critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Community service
- Civic engagement
They are also more likely to vote, volunteer, engage in political discussions at home, work on community projects, speak publicly, and communicate with elected officials.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCivicsDay
Join the conversation on National Civics Day. Encourage your schools and community to celebrate the day with events and programs. You can also:
- Promote – Spread the word about Civic Education through social media, educational events, local media, or sharing across your networks. Use #NationalCivicsDay when you do.
- Advocate – Contact local policymakers, hold an educational event for them, or ask them to write a proclamation in support of Civic Education.
- Support – Organize a Civic Education Day activity in your school, organization, or community, or donate to a Civic Education organization.
- Volunteer – Make a difference in your community and beyond.
The day is also an occasion to showcase civics in action. Highlight the civic opportunities in your community and demonstrate the results of civic projects. Show civics in action in your community, local governments, schools, and organizations. Celebrate National Civics Day when you use #NationalCivicsDay on social media.
NATIONAL CIVICS DAY HISTORY
The Long Island University’s Roosevelt School and The Society of Presidential Descendents founded National Civics Day in 2021 to celebrate the importance of civic education as a foundation for a strong democracy. National Civics Day is an opportunity for Americans to answer the call by President John F. Kennedy that “democracy is never a final achievement…It is a call to an untiring effort.” National Civics Day is an opportunity for Americans to celebrate civics for all through school, business, and community projects that include showcasing, promoting, and supporting civic education and community service.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Civics Day to be observed on October 27, 2021, and every year thereafter.
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