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HR0509 |
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LRB094 12558 CSA 47156 r |
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| HOUSE RESOLUTION
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| WHEREAS, American democracy was conceived as a vision where |
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| government derives its authority through the consent of the |
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| governed and that democracy succeeds best when the governed are |
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| active and responsible participants; and
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| WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, in whose legacy the State of |
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| Illinois stands, thoughtfully captured the idea of |
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| self-governance in the Gettysburg Address when he said ours is |
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| "the government of the people, by the people and for the |
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| people"; and
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| WHEREAS, Recent studies have found that civic education in |
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| our schools is inadequate and not a priority; and
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| WHEREAS, Studies have found that an overwhelming majority |
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| of students lack a proficient understanding of civics, United |
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| States history, and America's constitutional heritage; and
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| WHEREAS, Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 vote at |
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| lower rates than any other age group; and
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| WHEREAS, Without an involved and informed citizenry, the |
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| goals of democracy are threatened; and
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| WHEREAS, The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition and the |
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| Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools are working to create |
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| ideas and develop ways in which the connection between civic |
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| education and democracy can flourish; and
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| WHEREAS, It is our collective obligation to provide young |
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| people with the opportunity to apply what they learn through |
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| authentic civic learning and community service experiences |
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| intentionally linked to formal curriculum and classroom |
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| instruction; and
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