Chapter 3: Character Eduction: The Pathway to Citizenship

The concept of good citizenship is often oversimplified. Yes, it does include taking an active role in government, perhaps waving the flag, having informed and passionate views of public issues, and may even involve serving in the armed forces in the eyes of most people. But, good citizenship involves far more. Though the additional components of good democratic citizenship could be described in many ways, I think they basically involve being a person of high purpose and moral character who wants to serve the human race in positive and meaningful ways. A good democratic citizen is a good person and wants to be a model for others. At least to my way of thinking, character education is the pathway to good citizenship.