• List of Tables and Figures • Preface • Introduction
• WHAT IS CIVIC ENGAGEMENT? • From Lists to a Definition • Legitimate Public Concerns • The ethics of Civic Engagement • “Open-ended” Politics • Conclusion • WHY DO WE NEED BROAD CIVIC ENGAGEMENT? • Democracy Should Not Depend on Civic Virtue Alone • Civil Society is a Necessary Complement to the Government
• Equity Requires Broad Participation • Institutions and Communities Work Better when People Participate • Everyone Has Civic Needs
• Civic Engagement Is Linked to Culture
• Civic Participation Is Intrinsically Valuable
• Democracy as Learning • MEASURES OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT • Participation in Associations • Political Participation • Political Voice
• Knowledge and “Cognitive Engagement” • What about Resistance? • Commitment to Purely Civic Goals • Conclusion • WHY DO WE NEED THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE?
• Young People Have Distinct Interests
• Civic Engagement Is Good For Young People
• Improving Youth Civic Engagement Is the Most Effective Way to Enhance Civil Society • Youth Have an “Autonomous Culture” with Powerful Effects
• HOW ARE YOUTH ENGAGING TODAY? • Trends in Behavior • Trends in Values
• Differences by Income, Race, and Gender
• Civic Innovation among Young People
• WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO CIVIC EDUCATION? • Civic Education Is a “Public Good” • The Citizenship of Choice • Technocracy
• The Lack of a “Civics” Discipline • Implications • CIVIC LEARNING IN SCHOOL •  Courses
• Discussions of Current Issues • Student “Voice” in Schools • Service-Learning • Extracurricular Activities • Simulations • Controversies in School-Based Civic Education • Implications for Policy • CIVIC LEARNING IN COMMUNITIES • Community Youth Development in After-School Settings • Digital Media Creation • Youth Participation in Local Government • DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION • A Generational Story • New Scholarly Attention to “The Public” • New Forms of Public Work • Policy Implications • INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS • Comprehensive High School Reform • New Forms of Journalism • Political Reforms • YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WITHIN A BROADER CIVIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT • Elements of the Movement • The Strength and Growth of the Movement • Political Leadership for Civic Renewal • Notes • Bibliography • Index