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Political Parties as “Great Schools” of Civic Education

Author

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  • Joseph Postell

    (Department of Politics, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI 49252, USA)

Abstract

Current attempts to improve civic education through higher education should be supplemented by a focus on political parties, which have traditionally served as the “great schools” of civic education. America’s nineteenth-century parties drew voters out of their private concerns, engaged them in social life, and taught them to tolerate and bargain with each other. Legal changes over the past century have deprived them of the tools needed to fulfill this role. Policymakers should reconsider campaign finance laws that cripple parties, especially state and local organizations. Moreover, parties themselves should dedicate more time and resources to building a permanent presence in local communities and engaging citizens on the ground.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Postell, 2025. "Political Parties as “Great Schools” of Civic Education," Laws, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:10-:d:1582190
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Paul O. Carrese, 2024. "Civic Thought and Leadership: A Higher Civics to Sustain American Constitutional Democracy," Laws, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, March.
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