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branford

(4,462 posts)
87. The difficultly and slow speed of change was an intentional feature of our Constitution.
Mon Nov 10, 2014, 06:13 PM
Nov 2014

It's a feature, not a bug.

Those who paid attention in grade school social studies would understand. It also did not dampen the enthusiasm to engage in politics from any of my classmates from across the political spectrum. Heck, I volunteered for my first presidential campaign in high school for Michael Dukakis.

I took a Civics course in my sophomore year which was an elective. We were, however, Louisiana1976 Nov 2014 #1
When I was in school, we took.... prairierose Nov 2014 #2
Same Go Vols Nov 2014 #6
Same here. LuvNewcastle Nov 2014 #79
same here. learned that a felony would keep me from voting littlewolf Nov 2014 #104
Same here. 840high Nov 2014 #157
I did. Schooled well. Voted as soon as I turned 18. onehandle Nov 2014 #3
Seconded. Couldn't wait til I could vote!!! calimary Nov 2014 #16
Same here voted at 18 of course many of our friends & family were involuntarily being sent to IdiocracyTheNewNorm Nov 2014 #116
But civics is about society and government malaise Nov 2014 #153
Oh, hell, yes. MineralMan Nov 2014 #4
I went to a fairly progressive private school in the northeast. Class of 2012 Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #7
There was more focus on that stuff back in the 1960s. MineralMan Nov 2014 #9
AMEN! Preach it MineralMan! TexasProgresive Nov 2014 #13
Same in the 1950s. There was heavy emphasis on government, social studies and Am. history. Frustratedlady Nov 2014 #40
When I was a freshman in college, MineralMan Nov 2014 #45
Welcome to DU, Alittleliberal! calimary Nov 2014 #20
Thanks! My mom was a long time lurker. I've been lurking since I was 13! Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #23
So did we. Pennsylvania (through 11th grade) and California high school class of LoisB Nov 2014 #64
What part of California? Anyway, we studied all that stuff every year. Required. Class of '65. Shrike47 Nov 2014 #72
Ventura County small town. MineralMan Nov 2014 #151
Hey. That's where I am. MoonchildCA Nov 2014 #173
Nope. Moved out of Fillmore in 1963, and only come back for visits MineralMan Nov 2014 #175
Ah! Brrrr... Minnesota. MoonchildCA Nov 2014 #187
Massachusetts, 1964 Ineeda Nov 2014 #146
Same here. Oregon and Montana schools class if '67 OregonBlue Nov 2014 #180
I took Civics, Social Studies and American History in high school. Required classes. pinto Nov 2014 #5
I had an American government class that coincided with the Watergate hearings Art_from_Ark Nov 2014 #130
That era was a real education. (nt) pinto Nov 2014 #131
We must be close in age-Class of '74 here. Boomerproud Nov 2014 #138
We never got John and Yoko to visit our school Art_from_Ark Nov 2014 #144
Back in the day... Skidmore Nov 2014 #8
I had civics in 9th grade. muntrv Nov 2014 #10
Graduated in 1999, it was required. tammywammy Nov 2014 #11
Millenial here BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #12
Clearly many of us did take Government class's Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #18
Yeah, maybe BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #19
And obviously it is not the sole reason Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #22
Honestly? BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #30
No surprise at all! Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #33
Ignore realities susanwy Nov 2014 #67
The difficultly and slow speed of change was an intentional feature of our Constitution. branford Nov 2014 #87
I'm aware BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #96
It was designed to prevent huge cultural and legal changes based on erratic political winds. branford Nov 2014 #108
Excellent post... Spazito Nov 2014 #142
Yeah BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #143
"Popular attitudes" are quit often very dangerous. branford Nov 2014 #149
I think you misunderstand BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #156
What changes would you therefore suggest? branford Nov 2014 #158
I already acknowledged you are correct BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #159
I didn't mean for my post to be adversarial, branford Nov 2014 #160
What I think doesn't matter BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #162
Uh, OK? BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #93
There are other realities that plays into how government works JonLP24 Nov 2014 #182
I took Civics in 9th grade and Government in the 11th. historylovr Nov 2014 #14
Yes. Graduated 1984 KatyMan Nov 2014 #15
I did and had an amazing teacher. dilby Nov 2014 #17
Millennials turned out at about the same rate as young people in past generations. DemocraticWing Nov 2014 #21
Maybe it's not as large of a factor as I think it is Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #27
This Baby Boomer agrees with you LeftInTX Nov 2014 #50
The relegation of civics in education to the bottom of curriculum at best... Spazito Nov 2014 #24
Civics requirement in 10th grade. 1974. haele Nov 2014 #25
I took Government my senior year -- it was mandatory, and unfortunately stranger81 Nov 2014 #26
Yes, it was a requirement (back in the day) etherealtruth Nov 2014 #28
Had to, it was required. The Velveteen Ocelot Nov 2014 #29
In my Sophomore year, 1968. The first Semester was Civics, and the Second Semester was Oklahoma Agnosticsherbet Nov 2014 #31
It was US Government. bravenak Nov 2014 #32
No Child Left Behind Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #44
I did, but that was in the 70's. riqster Nov 2014 #34
Eighth grade, I had a class actually labeled "Civics". Cleita Nov 2014 #35
A little ashamed to admit it but I did not take civics in high school because I quit school in my jwirr Nov 2014 #36
Had it in my freshman year of high school (9th grade) That was 1978. nt ChisolmTrailDem Nov 2014 #37
Was not required in my school if you were in "honors" track. MadrasT Nov 2014 #38
I don't treestar Nov 2014 #39
Ninth grade 1964 The Blue Flower Nov 2014 #41
I did. SamKnause Nov 2014 #42
A Peoples History of the United States Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #54
They rolled it into the US History classes. jeff47 Nov 2014 #43
Many graduate from college, and still don't understand the basics of our government. branford Nov 2014 #92
+1 n/t Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #94
Trivia is a poor measurement of understanding. jeff47 Nov 2014 #101
I was being facetious. branford Nov 2014 #113
People forget it after a class, like they did the rest of the history treestar Nov 2014 #123
I did not have civics or government classes A Little Weird Nov 2014 #46
I also had civics in high school but better than civics I had civics at home. Thinkingabout Nov 2014 #47
I did. LP2K12 Nov 2014 #48
This Boomer RobinA Nov 2014 #49
We had an introduction to Civics proReality Nov 2014 #51
I took an American Government class in Senior year yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #52
I Did... Graduated 1973... WillyT Nov 2014 #53
Me too! I went to my 40th reunion last year. Weird, but fun. catbyte Nov 2014 #122
It was required get the red out Nov 2014 #55
There is an argument to be made for taking any classes in the humanities swilton Nov 2014 #56
I took Civics in my senior year of high school. 1966 sinkingfeeling Nov 2014 #57
You mean Democrat indoctrination class? tclambert Nov 2014 #58
It was rolled into 9th and 11th grade Social Studies and US History LeftInTX Nov 2014 #59
I did. It was a requirement. nt LWolf Nov 2014 #60
I did! They covered the functioning of the government and how it all worked RKP5637 Nov 2014 #61
I took civics/gov in high school in 60s, Taught civics/gov in high school..68-97 Stuart G Nov 2014 #62
Civics/Government in 11th and 12th grade Siwsan Nov 2014 #63
1976 both ChazII Nov 2014 #65
I did: my senior year KansDem Nov 2014 #66
Social Studies in 5th grade, Government in 9th and American Problems in 12th. CrispyQ Nov 2014 #68
7th grade. Each student also had a NY Times on her/his desk in the morning. Luminous Animal Nov 2014 #69
Civics in school Stonegonads Nov 2014 #70
Welcome to DU! Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #73
The Republican state law makers have taken it out of the school system. sammy750 Nov 2014 #71
that statistic appears to be bogus hfojvt Nov 2014 #74
Nice catch Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #77
But in today's education system Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #91
hard for me to tell hfojvt Nov 2014 #95
Mandatory in Detroit Public Schools in the early 60's. longship Nov 2014 #75
Detroit, high schools. Stonegonads Nov 2014 #80
I took it in 9th grade RebelOne Nov 2014 #76
You'd have to be pretty shut TBF Nov 2014 #78
It was part of my history class. GoCubsGo Nov 2014 #81
We took it in 8th Grade ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #82
We had to take Civics in 11th grade lark Nov 2014 #83
Wow: What state and what year was this? LeftInTX Nov 2014 #100
This was 1969/1970 in Florida lark Nov 2014 #179
Interesting. Wonder when & where that was. Just the decade would be appreciated. appalachiablue Nov 2014 #128
1969/1970 were the 2 years involved. lark Nov 2014 #177
I have long ties, great times in FL going way back. Dislike what's happening politically there. appalachiablue Nov 2014 #186
Me. Blue_In_AK Nov 2014 #84
The RW is pushing for mandated civic classes. But if they get control riversedge Nov 2014 #85
I did, grauated from h.s. in '62, and there's little doubt in my mind elleng Nov 2014 #86
It was a graduation requirement at my onecaliberal Nov 2014 #88
Civics, ninth grade, required, 1978 Thor_MN Nov 2014 #89
I did JustAnotherGen Nov 2014 #90
They still had civics when I was in school.... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2014 #97
Idiocracy Stonegonads Nov 2014 #98
Junion Year of High School PADemD Nov 2014 #99
They called it "Americanism versus Communism" when I took it in the 1960s csziggy Nov 2014 #102
This Boomer had civics class in 7th or 8th grade (a requirement) back "in the day" lexington filly Nov 2014 #103
Civics was in 8th Grade in HS it was 'Americanism vs Communism' IdiocracyTheNewNorm Nov 2014 #105
Junior High in the great State of Minnesota. malokvale77 Nov 2014 #106
Do you think it different now in NY, CA or IL? nt branford Nov 2014 #115
I don't know. malokvale77 Nov 2014 #121
I did minivan2 Nov 2014 #107
Civics catchnrelease Nov 2014 #109
Grade 12. Not only did I as a district requirement but also AP US Govt! nt alp227 Nov 2014 #110
I took Civics in high school. n/t whathehell Nov 2014 #111
It was required. Back then. A long time ago... ::sigh:: n/t TygrBright Nov 2014 #112
Maybe the reason millennials aren't voting is because they truly do understand, better than jtuck004 Nov 2014 #114
I believe Maher made a similar point not too long ago Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #119
You could not have found a more Progressive state than Oklahoma. The people today are jtuck004 Nov 2014 #165
9th grade it was required. B Calm Nov 2014 #117
I had Government class in 12th grade. It was taught by the football coach & he would wheel a TV into catbyte Nov 2014 #118
My daughter attended a "Blue Ribbon" high school in LibDemAlways Nov 2014 #120
That was my favorite class. To say that it's only a requirement in 9 states explains a lot. jillan Nov 2014 #124
US Government and Civics... ReRe Nov 2014 #125
We were required to take a government test to graduate. rosesaylavee Nov 2014 #126
9th grade in Michigan 1960.... Pauldg47 Nov 2014 #127
8th grade for me Ned_Devine Nov 2014 #129
If it were a priority, we'd run the risk of having enganged, interested voters! arcane1 Nov 2014 #135
Here...around 3 decades ago. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #132
My daughters had to HockeyMom Nov 2014 #133
How many of you, especially Millennials, knew about Electorial votes at 12 years old? HockeyMom Nov 2014 #147
I had to take a test on out state constitution loyalsister Nov 2014 #134
I think there should be a civics/government test TNNurse Nov 2014 #136
I did, in two nations. hunter Nov 2014 #137
I graduated in 1971 tech3149 Nov 2014 #139
It was required for graduation, when I was in high school (IL). ColesCountyDem Nov 2014 #140
I took both in the 80s. I also learned how to use apostrophes. Codeine Nov 2014 #141
Ya that was my bad lol Alittleliberal Nov 2014 #148
they called it something else in HS. i am a history geek too. pansypoo53219 Nov 2014 #145
I don't remember taking a civics class in HS bigwillq Nov 2014 #150
There are a lot of adults that don't know how government functions... Historic NY Nov 2014 #152
Had it in 8th grade mstinamotorcity2 Nov 2014 #154
I think it was called Social Studies way back then. justhanginon Nov 2014 #155
I did - 1981 n/t alittlelark Nov 2014 #161
Took Law&Government as a senior year elective, but that was a long time ago 0rganism Nov 2014 #163
"Is there an argument to be made"?? --- Oh HELL yes! annabanana Nov 2014 #164
i did, mid 1970s Liberal_in_LA Nov 2014 #166
We had "Political Science." snot Nov 2014 #167
I had Civics class in 8th grade. Lugnut Nov 2014 #168
Required in PA schools when i attended (1948-1959) So was PA History. nt kelliekat44 Nov 2014 #169
I think it was called government and was required. We got that as seniors. I did well but probably brewens Nov 2014 #170
I did, late 70's/early 80's ... Myrina Nov 2014 #171
I did, Jurassic Age. nt raccoon Nov 2014 #172
i graduated hs in 1973 shanti Nov 2014 #174
It inspired me to be politically active liberal N proud Nov 2014 #176
8th grade in PA - 67-68 -- the first time I became a star in any class Douglas Carpenter Nov 2014 #178
Social studies covered a lot the same topics in my education JonLP24 Nov 2014 #181
For Me It Was 8th Grade ProfessorGAC Nov 2014 #183
I had Civics in jr high school and an American Government class in Nay Nov 2014 #184
I dropped out of high school in the 9th grade but when logosoco Nov 2014 #185
United States history and Wyoming government as a sophomore, and AP Poli Sci as a senior. eom TransitJohn Nov 2014 #188
I believe it was a requirement in Virginia. NutmegYankee Nov 2014 #189
It was required when I graduated. 10th grade 'civics', and 12th grade 'government'. n/t X_Digger Nov 2014 #190
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