Cultivating Good Citizenship: Civics Education, Constitutional Structures and Political Leadership - Bede Harris

This book explores the concept of good citizenship, exploring how it can be nurtured and its implications for civics education, constitutional structures, and political leadership. Amidst concerns about a crisis of democracy, characterized by declining citizen engagement and confidence in political processes, the book begins by defining “good citizenship.” It traces the concept’s evolution from ancient times to the present, highlighting the values that underpin good citizenship in a society based on the value of human dignity. The book then examines how voter disengagement can be linked to shortcomings in civics education, particularly the failure to teach students not only the mechanics of a country’s constitution but also the values underlying it. It discusses the role of constitutional design in fostering good citizenship, arguing that shortcomings in a constitution, such as an electoral system that does not accurately reflect votes in seats, the failure to protect human rights and inadequate mechanisms to ensure executive accountability, erode citizens’ trust in the political system. Furthermore, the book addresses how political leadership that prioritizes emotional appeals over reason and partisan interests over the public good contributes to voter disengagement and a loss of confidence in the political system. By adopting a comparative approach and drawing on examples from various jurisdictions, the book offers valuable insights and practical guidance for enhancing good citizenship. This comparative analysis not only broadens the book’s appeal but also enhances its marketability, making it a significant resource for understanding and improving democratic engagement.