Training in the Schools for Civic Efficiency

Abstract

Time was when a man could be a most efficient individual in his business or profession, in his church relationships, in all matters of. personal concern, and at the same time be utterly inefficient or even conscienceless as a member of the body politic. Religion and politics were not tao be mixed, nor were religion and business.But politics might become the handmaiden of business-especially big business! Democracy seemed to be breaking down, and most noticeably in our cities. Our reforms were spasms: our relapses were recoveries-returns to the normal order of things.But this epoch, we believe, is slowly passing. The younger generation are learning to think straight and true in public matters, whether of city, state, or nation. They really want to be good citizens, and they are coming to see that &dquo;the test of good citizenship lies in the existence of an intelligent, continuing interest in the questions of good .... government.&dquo; We are all learning that the supremest effort must be made to &dquo;combine efficiency with our popular sovereignty.&dquo;The press, the pulpit, women's clubs, civic associations, and finally the colleges,-all these and others have helped to start what promises to be a veritable tidal wave of civic interest and enlightenment. Have the schools been doing their part in this training for civic efficiency? If not, are they awake to the fact and laying plans for the future? The first question is easily answered, and with an emphatic negative which has no need of proof. The second query is as readily met, and with an affirmative the proof of which it is the purpose of this brief article to present.Since any education which has the remotest bearing on life is an indirect preparation for the performance of civic duties, it is obvious that only direct preparation for the meeting of civic obligations is here to be considered.Formal instruction in civics seems to have come into our schools at UNIV ALABAMA LIBRARY/SERIALS on March 29, 2015 ann.sagepub.com Downloaded from

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