Civic Literacy as Democratic Defense: Mandating Civic Education in U.S. High Schools to Prevent Further Democratic Backsliding in America

This brief argues that declining civic education is a primary driver of democratic backsliding in the United States. It identifies that the prior incentive-only policies have failed us, leaving civic education inconsistent and deepening socioeconomic disparities disproportionately. It proposes a national civic education mandate on every student as a prerequisite to graduation to combat the accelerating pace of democratic deterioration.

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Alice Ahn

October 30, 2026

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Inquiry-driven, this project may reflect personal views, aiming to enrich problem-related discourse.

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Other Fellowship Capstones

Retirement Insecurity: Why Retirement Feels Impossible and What We Can Do

Capstones - Spring 2026

Evan Kung

RetIrement insecurity in the United States is an escalating crisis that has gone ignored for far too long, threatening to undermine the financial stability fo American workers. Driven by decades of stagnant wages compared to productivity, inflation, and a structural shift to individual-risk 401(k) plans, nearly half of all US households currently possess zero retirement savings. This is something policy needs to immediately address.

The Arctic Games: Enhancing the United States' Security in the Arctic

Capstones - 2022

Karolina Kisiel

In this policy analysis, the author informs readers about the U.S. position in the Arctic and gives recommendations for future interactions with the region.

The Russian Adoption Ban of 2012

Capstones - Winter 2024

Grace Burke

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Other Fellowship Capstones

Retirement Insecurity: Why Retirement Feels Impossible and What We Can Do

The Arctic Games: Enhancing the United States' Security in the Arctic

The Russian Adoption Ban of 2012