Preparing future generations
The United States has always been characterized as a country of opportunity, freedom, and rights. Our mistakes and victories are embedded within our history and the products of each are reflected in our government’s system. History and government courses teach students more than past events but also how to prevent previous mistakes from recurring. Students need to learn and understand our country’s history and government so that they can make smart decisions like voting and being involved in government while having a clear understanding of our country’s structure and origin.
As future voters and contributors to society, students must be equipped with the necessary knowledge to make intelligent decisions. Being part of a democratic country, students will grow to become leaders and have the power to decide legislation and choose government officials. Having students take government courses makes them keen to form educated opinions of what they wish to see in the country and how it could be improved. When voting, those that know history use their knowledge from the past to make the wisest choice.
Furthermore, as members of a free nation, our understanding of the United State’s origin and how its government system works is of indispensable importance. In our modern world, social media and news outlets have the power to influence our generation, but an informed individual knows how to distinguish between facts and false information. By understanding how laws and systems were formed within our nation, students have a clear understanding of policies and thus are less vulnerable to being fooled by disinformation and fake news. If students are taught things like the Constitution, they understand their rights as well. In other words, no one can take freedom away from those who understand how and why it came to be, what it took to obtain it, and what protects this freedom today.
Besides this, history and government courses teach students about the flaws in our country’s past such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 which forced indigenous tribes out of their land and caused the death of thousands of Native Americans. Another example would be the Japanese Internment Camps during WWII which violated the freedoms of innocent individuals due to their race. By knowing where the system has failed and becoming educated citizens, we are less likely to repeat the same mistakes. The same applies to the successes and triumphs of the past. Students with this knowledge can help make decisions that lead to successful outcomes based on their insight of history.
Schools must give their students government and history courses to help them make good decisions, understand facts, and help prevent past errors from taking place again. Students with this type of education can help influence and guide our nation to a better future of prosperity. It is necessary to empower and equip them with history and government courses both for their success and that of the United States as well.