Teaching Trust: How Civics Education Creates Confidence in Democracy

Publication Date

Spring 4-16-2025

College

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Department

Political Science, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Nathan Griifith

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

Political trust in the United States has declined significantly, with fewer than a quarter of Americans expressing confidence in their government’s ability to do what is right (Pew Research Center, 2024). While research often attributes this decline to factors such as media influence, political polarization, and institutional inefficiency, the role of civics education remains underexamined. This study explores how both formal (e.g., civics and government courses) and informal (e.g., political discussions, media exposure, personal experiences) civics education influence trust in democratic institutions. Education has the potential to both foster civic engagement and contribute to political skepticism, depending on its content and delivery. By analyzing the relationship between civics education and political trust, this research aims to clarify its role in shaping public perceptions of government legitimacy. The findings will provide insight into how educational experiences influence political attitudes and offer a foundation for further discussion on strengthening trust in democratic institutions.

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