“It is the citizens of our nation who must preserve our system of government and we cannot forget that.”

Sandra Day O’Connor
Associate Justice, retired
United States Supreme Court

Click to learn more about Sandra Day O'Connor

Group of adult students communicating with each other

“You have citizens who don’t understand how government works and they’re kind of soured on it. All they do is criticize. They have no idea that they can make things happen.”

Sandra Day O’Connor
Associate Justice, retired
United States Supreme Court

Click to learn more about civil discourse and its role in public policy

Mature volunteer organizing donations in boxes while working at humanitarian aid center.

"Do the best you can in every task, no matter how unimportant it may seem at the time."

Sandra Day O’Connor
Associate Justice, retired
United States Supreme Court

Click to learn more about civic engagement

Woman listening to somebody during online lesson or conference

“We have a complex system of government. You have to teach it to every generation.”

Sandra Day O’Connor
Associate Justice, retired
United States Supreme Court

Click to learn more about multigenerational civics education

Welcome to Civics for Life

Civics for Life is the multigenerational online resource center for civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement. Through our free online learning platform, Civics for Life addresses the knowledge gap of countless Americans who did not receive civics education during their school years. Now there is an easily accessible site for adult civics education and lifelong learning.

Civics for Life Quarterly

Civics for Life Quarterly, Issue 1

In today’s edition you’ll find an exclusive taped interview with Dr. Anthea Hartig, the first woman director of ...
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An Informed Citizenry Is Necessary for the Functioning of a Democracy

The Importance of Civic Education

“We pay a price when we deprive children of the exposure to the values, principles, and education they ...
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How to Engage in Civil Discourse

How to Engage in Civil Discourse

Civil discourse is an active pursuit: participants should be actively respectful, open, friendly, and generous. Good faith is ...
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Civics Education

Our educational resources are developed to explain more than just fasts. Understanding the "why" of civics drives our ...
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Civil Discourse

Without civil discourse, a vibrant and productive civil society cannot exist; a representative democracy presupposes that its members ...
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Civic Engagement

A democracy’s success depends upon active participation by its citizens in civic activities, such as voting, volunteering in ...
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