Introduction to Civics

• Civics is the study of government, including its operation and oversight.
• Civics is the study of the rights and responsibilities (duties) of citizens.
• Civics is the study of issues that are important to the public and how public decisions are made.

Introduction to Civics

• According to Aristotle, humans are social animals.
• Human existence depends on mutual interaction and cooperation to fulfill social and physical needs.
• Collective efforts to develop society can cause conflict.
• Civics is required to help people maintain balance between the individual and the society and foster healthy relationships.
• Civics teaches us to develop a disciplined society.

Derivation of Term Civics

• The word "civics" comes from the Latin words "civitas" and "civis," meaning citizens or citizenship.
• Civics is a discipline of knowledge dealing with the daily affairs of the state and its citizens.

Definitions of Civics

• F.J. Gold defines civics as a discipline dealing with institutions, habits, activities, and sentiments that provide an individual with a moral force to pay duties and to enjoy belonging in an organization, irrespective of gender.
• E.M. White defines civics as a useful discipline that covers every aspect of human life across local, national, and global levels, considering past, present and future aspects.
• Patrick Gaddis defines civics as the study of civic life and related issues.
• Civics is a branch of social studies that examines human character, habits, traditions, political organization, relations between state and citizens, and the structure/working of local, provincial, and federal governments.
• Civics encompasses all aspects of human social life, explaining the society where individuals live and work for welfare.

Importance of Civics

• Political Training:
  • Civics teaches the political process, including voting, election systems, and government responsibilities.
  • It gives knowledge of individual rights and duties within a society.
• Development of a Good Society:
  • Civics explains links between individuals and social institutions.
  • It fosters cooperation, partnership, sacrifice, and sympathy among individuals, thus playing a role in addressing moral problems.
• Success of Democratic System:
  • Civics education is vital for the success of democracy, it produces good citizens who are enlightened about the rights and duties.
  • The success of a democratic system depends on the emotions of social service, civic sense and dutifulness.
• Moral Training:
  • Both good and bad forces exist in people, and the stronger force influences their character.
  • The environment also shapes behavior.
• Awareness About National Issues:
  • Governments cannot solve societal problems without public cooperation.
  • Health, cleanliness, education promotion, unemployment reduction and support for the needy are example problems, that hinder national progress.
• Promotion of International Relations:
  • Civics contributes to world peace through healthy relations with international communities.
• Solution of Social Issues:
  • Civics can help to resolve social and cultural problems.
  • This knowledge helps people maintain a clean civic and material environment, thus leading to a healthy life.