The Lack of Social Studies in Education

The essential element of any country is its citizens. In our country we have social studies in the educational curriculum but it is not being pushed as hard as the other disciplines specifically Math and Science. In the last 20 years there has been a race with other nations in Math and Science with our youth as it relates to test scores. Now I agree that we have to have great thinkers in Math and Science however basic knowledge and advance concepts in Social Studies promote better citizenship as well as active participation in the political process. If more citizens knew how this government worked there are a lot of things that would not have been allowed to happen such as Super Pacs. The so called Voter Id laws are unconstitutional but yet there is not enough public outcry about it. Of course people care but they do not know. Ignorance really is bliss but yet dangerous. The Political process of how to pass a Bill is something that the average American is aloof about. Long gone are the days of School House Rock, a Saturday Morning cartoon that showed the process of how a Bill is passed. It is not emphasized enough in school curricula. In some states it is not even tested like its Math and Science counterparts. The average American student does not know the name of the Vice President let alone who replaces the Vice President if something was to happen to the President and Vice President. This lack of knowledge of processes and information has caused an ignorance that has allowed political parties and candidates to run deceptive campaigns as it relates to the issues. It has also allowed unconstitutional implementation of laws such as the aforementioned Voter ID Laws. Candidates accusing the President of not passing Bills is slanderous because they know he needs the congress to pass the Bill. If more people knew this it would not work nor would it be used by these candidates. Parents have to be aware of this and push for better curriculum standards as it relates to Social Studies. I say start with the  parents because they are the tax payers and their kids are the investment. Citizens also have to make it their personal responsibility to become knowledgeable of how our country works as well as how to actively participate in it. The idea is Power to the People but the people have to be knowledgeable, well informed and active.