Civic Education and Partisan Alignment

• In Event: Fostering Students' Political Engagement

Abstract

This study examines the impact of quality civics education on one aspect of political polarization – alignment of issue positions and partisan identity. Using data from a 2012 CIRCLE survey of 18-24 year olds, I find that the number of high quality civic education experiences reduces the likelihood of extreme political alignment when combined with a highly democratic classroom climate. The practical and normative implications of these results are discussed in light of the civic education ideals of informed, open-minded, and respectful discussions.

Author

• Christopher Clark, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities