When citizens lack a foundational understanding of how our government functions, how their rights are protected, and how they can meaningfully participate in civic life, the consequences are profound.
Disengagement grows, trust in institutions decreases, and our society weakens. But there is hope: civic education works. And we saw that hope in action at Florida’s inaugural National Civics Bee State Finals recently in Tallahassee, where middle school students from across the state demonstrated a genuine passion for civic life and presented thoughtful, solution-oriented ideas to improve their communities.
The urgency of elevating civic education is underscored by data. A U.S. Chamber Foundation survey found that more than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz, struggling with questions about the three branches of government or the number of Supreme Court justices. Only 5% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey could name all five freedoms protected by the First Amendment. And at the FSU Institute for Governance and Civics, our own research revealed that fewer than half of Floridians surveyed could correctly answer five basic civics questions. These numbers are not just statistics. They are a call to action.
Across the country, we’re witnessing a renewed commitment to civic education, and for good reason. Civic learning doesn’t just produce informed voters. It cultivates skilled communicators, collaborative problem-solvers, and principled leaders. It prepares students not just for the ballot box, but for boardrooms, classrooms, community halls, and workplaces. It equips them to lead with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.
This year marked Florida’s inaugural National Civics Bee, and the students who participated rose to the occasion with exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to understanding the world around them and how they can make a difference.
The event brought together nine middle school students from Duval, Okaloosa, and Osceola counties in a powerful celebration of civic learning and active citizenship. After advancing through local contests, these students demonstrated civic leadership in action. Their path to the state finals reflected curiosity, intelligence, and a deep commitment to our shared future.
Their proposals addressed pressing issues such as beach cleanups, wildlife protection, pedestrian safety, and inner-city transportation improvements. What made their efforts truly remarkable was the way they approached these challenges — with respect to differing perspectives and open dialogue.
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the Civics Bee was this: every student on that stage believed in the power of conversation, collaboration, and community. They aren’t waiting for adulthood to make a difference. They’re already doing it.
At the Institute for Governance and Civics at FSU, our mission is to create the next generation of effective citizens and responsible leaders through impactful research and education. Programs like the National Civics Bee serve as powerful catalysts, teaching communities, parents, and students about the critical role civic literacy plays in strengthening our democracy and shaping a brighter future.
Florida’s students have answered the call with passion and determination, demonstrating that the seeds of civic leadership can flourish even in the youngest among us. Now it’s our turn as educators, community leaders, and citizens to champion the cause of civic education, inspire meaningful dialogue, and cultivate a more informed and engaged society.
Lila Seagle is the associate director of the Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) at Florida State University. For more information on IGC, visit igc.fsu.edu.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida’s students are rising as civil leaders at a critical time | Opinion
Reporting by Lila Seagle i / Tallahassee Democrat
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