A Republic, If You Can Keep It: From School Boards to City Halls, Why Constitutional Literacy Matters Now

The Founding Fathers took on the mighty British Empire because they were fed up with being taxed without having any say in the matter, not being able to govern themselves, and what they saw as the King treating them like subjects instead of free people. This frustration boiled over into the American Revolution. Founding fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin stepped up to lead the colonies through both the fighting (with the Continental Army using conventional battles and clever guerrilla tactics) and the political battles (writing the Declaration of Independence and later hammering out the Constitution). With some crucial help from the French, they managed to pull off an upset victory against one of the world’s superpowers and built a brand new republic from the ground up.

There’s this dramatic story that’s been passed down for generations about how the signers of the Declaration were brutally punished for their act of defiance—that they faced widespread persecution, lost everything they owned, and many met violent ends. And while it’s true that some of them definitely went through hell during the Revolutionary War, historians today will tell you the real story is more complicated than that. Some signers absolutely had their property seized, got captured by the British, or watched their families suffer. But plenty of others came through relatively unscathed and went on to have successful careers in the new nation.

The reality is that what happened to the signers was all over the map. Nine of them died during the war years, though not all from British retaliation. Several watched their homes get destroyed or had their land confiscated. A few ended up imprisoned under harsh conditions. Yet others served heroically in military or government roles, and quite a few actually prospered after independence was won. What we can say for certain is that they all showed real courage when they decided to back a revolution that could have easily failed, knowing full well the risks they were taking.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Enduring Importance of Constitutional Knowledge in American Civic Life

The United States Constitution stands as one of the most consequential documents in human history. For nearly 250 years, this framework has guided the world’s oldest continuous constitutional republic, establishing principles of self-governance, individual liberty, and limited government that have inspired democratic movements worldwide. Yet as America approaches its 250th anniversary, a important question rises: Do those entrusted with upholding these principles—from students in our classrooms to elected officials in our county commissions, city councils, school boards, and beyond—possess a basic understanding of the document they are called to honor and defend?

A Personal Reflection from the Tennessee State House

As I returned to the 114th Tennessee General Assembly for its opening day, an appointment on my calendar stood out: a meeting with Cassandra Taylor, Branch Manager for the Smyrna Public Library. Cassandra had recently spoken at our Smyrna Rotary Club, where I’ve been a proud member for 23 years. During her Rotary presentation, I raised the question of whether the library would consider creating an exhibit and organizing activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. I was pleased—and even excited—when she not only agreed but expressed excitement about the idea.

It was during our subsequent meeting that Cassandra and her colleague extended an invitation for me to speak at a League of Women Voters event.

I’ll be candid: I do believe the group is biased and not well represented among the voting public of Tennessee and Rutherford County. Yet I’m still happy to speak. In moments like these, I’m reminded of the wisdom of Ronald Reagan, who I’d argue was one of our greatest presidents, when he said: “If I find someone who agrees with me 80% of the time—that’s an 80% friend, not a 20% traitor.”

This principle of engagement across differences is precisely why constitutional literacy matters so profoundly. The Constitution itself was born from compromise and thoughtful debate among people with diverse perspectives. If we are to preserve and protect it, we must be willing to engage with those who may not share all our views, finding common ground in our shared commitment to the principles that unite us as Americans.

Why Constitutional Literacy Matters

The Constitution is not merely a historical artifact to be admired from a distance. It is a living framework that structures our government, protects our freedoms, and defines the relationship between citizens and their representatives. When those who serve in public office—whether as county commissioners, city councilmembers, aldermen, or school board members—lack a firm grounding in constitutional principles, the consequences extend far beyond abstract political theory. Decisions about local budgets, zoning laws, educational policy, and individual rights all rest upon constitutional foundations that must be understood to be properly applied.

Similarly, students who graduate without a working knowledge of the Constitution enter adulthood unprepared to fulfill their responsibilities as informed citizens. They may struggle to evaluate political claims, understand their rights, or participate meaningfully in democratic processes. A republic, after all, depends not only on the integrity of its institutions but on the civic competence of its people.

A New Initiative for Constitutional Education

Recognizing these challenges, the U.S. Department of Education, alongside the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 40 leading national and state-based organizations, recently announced the launch of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. This landmark initiative, unveiled appropriately on Constitution Day, is dedicated to renewing patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge, and advancing a shared understanding of America’s founding principles in schools across the nation.

The coalition builds upon the current administration’s commitment to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in July 2026 with more than symbolic gestures. Under the oversight of U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the Department, the AFPI-led coalition will spearhead nationwide initiatives designed to engage students, educators, and communities in substantive conversations about liberty, citizenship, and America’s enduring values.

“As America approaches 250 years since its founding, we are proud to announce this coalition to ensure every young American understands the beauty of our nation and is equipped with the civic knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to its future,” said Secretary McMahon. “A country cannot survive if its values are forgotten by its people. More than ever, we need to restore the vitality of the American spirit, and this coalition will take bold steps to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth toward active and informed citizenship.”

A Broad Coalition of Partners

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition represents a diverse array of organizations united by a common purpose. Partners include established educational institutions like Hillsdale College, legal advocacy groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom and First Liberty Institute, policy organizations including the Heritage Foundation and American Legislative Exchange Council, and grassroots movements like Moms for Liberty and Turning Point USA.

Greg Sindelar, Interim President of the America First Policy Institute, emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort: “AFPI is proud to stand with the Department of Education and partner with over 40 best-in-class organizations to form this coalition. Together, we are building a movement that will ensure the next generation understands America’s founding principles and carries them forward with confidence and pride.”

Dr. Hutz H. Hertzberg, Chief Education Officer of Turning Point Education, added: “We are honored to partner with the distinguished organizations that comprise the America 250 Civics Education Coalition to restore, revive, and reclaim robust American civics education for all students throughout our country.”

Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, connected the initiative to the broader American tradition of renewal: “We celebrate Lincoln for his greatness in recalling the nation to the principles of its birth, the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the most beautiful political document in history. It is time to repeat his work and the work of Jefferson and the Founders. We will work together to learn those principles, and for the love of them we will have a grand celebration.”

Leadership and Vision

The coalition is led by Executive Director Katie Gorka, Co-Chair Erika Donalds, and Co-Chair Dr. Ben Judge, who together articulate a vision that extends beyond curriculum reform to cultural renewal.

Katie Gorka stated: “The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is about restoring patriotism by ensuring every American knows our history and treasures our freedoms.”

Erika Donalds emphasized the connection between knowledge and liberty: “A free society depends on informed citizens, and civic knowledge must once again be at the heart of American education. Through this coalition, we are uniting to bring these lessons back to classrooms and communities and prepare future generations to safeguard our republic.”

Dr. Ben Judge added: “By reviving civic pride, we will prepare the next generation not only to celebrate America, but to safeguard its promise.”

Programming and Outreach

The coalition’s inaugural roundtable discussion marked the beginning of an ambitious twelve-month agenda. Planned initiatives include the Fundamental Liberties College Speaker Series and a 50-state speaking tour on college campuses nationwide, designed to reach students where they are and engage them in substantive dialogue about America’s founding principles and their contemporary relevance.

These programs aim to make civics education engaging and accessible, moving beyond rote memorization of dates and names to foster genuine understanding of constitutional principles and their application to real-world governance.

The Path Forward

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the need for constitutional literacy has never been more pressing. From local school board meetings to county commission chambers, from city council debates to state legislatures, the decisions made by elected officials ripple through communities and affect the daily lives of citizens. When these officials understand the constitutional framework within which they operate, they are better equipped to serve their constituents faithfully and protect the rights enshrined in our founding documents.

For students, constitutional knowledge provides the foundation for engaged citizenship. It empowers them to think critically about political issues, to recognize when their rights are being protected or threatened, and to participate constructively in democratic processes. In short, it equips them to be not merely inhabitants of a free society, but active guardians of freedom itself.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition represents a significant step toward restoring constitutional literacy to its rightful place at the heart of American education. As these organizations work together over the coming months, their success will be measured not in rhetoric but in results: in students who graduate with genuine understanding of their constitutional heritage, in elected officials who govern with constitutional principles in mind, and in communities that value and preserve the freedoms that have defined America for nearly 250 years.

The Constitution, as Benjamin Franklin reminded us at the close of the Constitutional Convention, gave us “a republic, if you can keep it.” Keeping that republic requires each generation to renew its commitment to the principles upon which it was founded. The America 250 Civics Education Coalition offers a promising vehicle for that renewal, ensuring that the light of constitutional understanding continues to illuminate the path forward for generations to come.

America 250 Civics Education Coalition Partners

The coalition includes more than 40 national and state-based organizations committed to advancing civic education and constitutional knowledge:

1776 Project Foundation, Alabama Policy Institute, Alliance Defending Freedom, Alumni Free Speech Alliance, America First Legal, American Center for Law & Justice, American Cornerstone Institute, American Legislative Exchange Council, American Moment, American Principles Project, Catholic Vote, Center for Education Reform, Center for Renewing America, Center for Urban Renewal, Claremont Institute, Commonwealth Foundation, Concerned Women for America, Conservative Partnership Institute, Constituting America, Council for National Policy, Eagle Forum, Faith and Freedom Coalition, First Liberty Counsel, First Liberty Institute, Goldwater Institute, Heritage Foundation, Hillsdale College, Intercollegiate Studies Institute for Education Reform, James Madison Institute, Job Creators Network, Leadership Institute, Moms for America, Moms for Liberty, National Association of Scholars, PragerU, Priests for Life, Religious Freedom Institute, Texas Public Policy Foundation, The Fund for American Studies, Turning Point USA, and Woodson Center.

Together, these organizations represent a unified commitment to ensuring that America’s founding principles remain vibrant, understood, and cherished by future generations of citizens and leaders.