HR0509 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0509 LRB094 12558 CSA 47156 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, American democracy was conceived as a vision where government derives its authority through the consent of the governed and that democracy succeeds best when the governed are active and responsible participants; and

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, in whose legacy the State of Illinois stands, thoughtfully captured the idea of self-governance in the Gettysburg Address when he said ours is "the government of the people, by the people and for the people"; and

WHEREAS, Recent studies have found that civic education in our schools is inadequate and not a priority; and

WHEREAS, Studies have found that an overwhelming majority of students lack a proficient understanding of civics, United States history, and America's constitutional heritage; and

WHEREAS, Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 vote at lower rates than any other age group; and

WHEREAS, Without an involved and informed citizenry, the goals of democracy are threatened; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition and the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools are working to create ideas and develop ways in which the connection between civic education and democracy can flourish; and

WHEREAS, It is our collective obligation to provide young people with the opportunity to apply what they learn through authentic civic learning and community service experiences intentionally linked to formal curriculum and classroom instruction; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Democracy Schools have the potential to achieve that shared responsibility; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the concept suggested by the Democracy Schools Initiative should be implemented, when and where appropriate, by school boards, principals, teachers, students, parents, and the community as models for a place in which the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of citizenship are fostered and in which student leadership is encouraged.