Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Many Americans believe that government in the United States has become too big—so big that they no longer have a voice or effective control of their own government. Today on Home School Heartbeat, Mike Farris talks about the third principle parents can teach their children about citizenship, so that they'll be equipped to become more effective leaders in American government.

Michael Farris:
One of the reasons the United States has too much government is that, as citizens, we've lost the distinction between the duties assigned to the different levels of government. For example, there's no need for national, state, county, and city departments of education. One department of education should be quite enough.

Most students, even college students, do not know enough about the way our government works and how it was designed to work. This lack of knowledge has allowed politicians to grow our government out of the control of its citizens.

Take your children on field trips to government offices so that they can see first-hand what functions each level of government performs. Visit court trials at different levels. Watch your city council in operation. Visit your state legislature.

And if possible, watch Congress in action. The practical lessons your children will receive from such excursions will far outweigh any textbook instruction—especially if you follow it up with thoughtful discussion.

The more our children know about their government, the more they will be able to change the way our government operates, to make it more efficient, and to hold their representatives responsible for their actions. I'm Michael Farris.