Civics

Civics is the branch of political science that studies the rights and obligations of citizens. It explores how people live together within a society. The term comes from the Latin word "civis," which means relating to a citizen. In modern U.S. politics, the term can also apply to urban planning. In that context, it involves city politics that influence the decisions of local residents. Civic education expands on these ideas by studying the theoretical and practical sides of citizenship. This includes learning about civil law, civil codes, and the functions of government. It focuses on how citizens participate in and oversee their own government.

In ancient Roman history, the word civics had a very specific meaning. It referred to the Civic Crown, which was a garland of oak leaves. This honor was awarded to Romans who saved the lives of fellow citizens. This practice shows how the concept of civic duty was tied to direct action. Beyond these definitions, the study of civics has been shaped by different philosophical views. Two major cities in ancient Greece, Sparta and Athens, offered very different models of citizenship. These models influenced how leaders thought about training their people.

Ancient Sparta followed a model of discipline and obedience. A semi-legendary leader named Lycurgus was the framer of the Spartan constitution. He believed that educating the citizenry was his most important task. Lycurgus even regulated marriages to ensure the good education of the youth. At seven years old, boys were enrolled in specific classes and companies. They lived under a strict order and constant discipline. The goal was to create citizens who possessed toughness, cunning, and preparedness. This system was designed to make the interest of the citizen one with the state.

Spartan education used several unique methods to ensure social control. Boys were taught to speak with "graceful raillery," meaning they used few words to convey much thought. They practiced long periods of silence to develop the habit of being succinct. An under-master, known as an Iren, would test them after supper. He would ask questions like, "Who was the best man in the city?" The students had to provide a reasoned judgment in as few words as possible. If they failed to answer well, they could face physical punishment, such as having their thumb bitten. This trained them to judge the abilities and defects of their countrymen quickly.

Music also played a vital role in the Spartan civic system. They sang songs that praised courage and condemned cowardice. These songs were plain and serious in their moral subject matter. They glorified those who died defending their country and mocked those who were cowards. Even Spartan women participated in this system of physical excellence. Lycurgus ordered maidens to practice wrestling, running, and throwing the quoit. He believed that healthy, vigorous women would produce strong and healthy children for the state. This ensured the continued strength of the Spartan polity.

Ancient Athens offered a contrasting view focused on personal freedom. The leader Pericles famously described Athens as the "school of Hellas," or Greece. He argued that the Athenian system encouraged individual liberty. However, the philosopher Thomas Hobbes had a different view of this freedom. He believed Athenians were taught they were free only to discourage them from seeking government reform. Despite this, the philosopher Aristotle noted that in a democracy, liberty is a central expectation. This highlights the tension between individual rights and the stability of the state.

Different thinkers also contributed to how Athenians understood their duties. The philosopher Socrates used analogies to explain civic behavior. In the dialogue "Crito," he compared a citizen to a gymnast. He argued that a gymnast should follow an expert trainer rather than the opinion of the majority. Socrates believed citizens should obey laws because the city provided their education. Other figures, like the poet Thales, used art to influence civic life. Thales composed songs that encouraged obedience and concord. His music helped to bring order and tranquility to the minds of the listeners.