A reader responded with the following words: The problem is that many school districts do not require a basic course in civics. Back in Hays when I was growing up every student needed to take that course in 8th grade.
It is what got me interested in political science which led me to major at FHSU and to get my master's and then later my Ph.D. at Missouri. It shaped my whole career in both public and academic realms.
Obviously not everyone needs to do that but if you do not have the basic understanding of checks and balances, separation of powers, the Constitution and the kinds of democracies that exist you are not doing your job as a citizen.
Democracy only works if you have an "informed" citizenry. If you do not then you are on a slippery slope. We have been on that slope for a long time and now those running the executive branch clearly do not have that basic understanding.
Comment by B.J. Reed, Sr. Vice Chancellor (retired), University of Nebraska at Omaha authorized for publication in response to "Understanding Our Government."
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