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Why does democracy depend on educated citizens?

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Voters standing at voting booths marked County of Ventura, California, casting ballots in a busy polling station during the 2012 Presidential Election. — democracy California voters casting their ballots in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.

Democracy relies on an educated citizenry because the system’s legitimacy and effectiveness depend on the active, informed participation of its people. For democracy to be meaningful rather than a sham, citizens must be able to understand their own interests, grasp relevant facts, and critically evaluate political arguments.12

Education facilitates this by equipping individuals with the skills necessary to engage in the political process, such as discerning facts, analyzing complex issues, and holding government officials accountable. Furthermore, education fosters the development of critical thinking, which allows citizens to rationally navigate differences, cooperate to solve common problems, and contribute to the common good.3245

As philosopher John Dewey emphasized, democracy is a mode of associated life that requires citizens to possess inquisitive habits of mind and a spirit of mutual respect. Without an education system that provides the resources and freedom to analyze diverse ideas, citizens may lack the political competence required to sustain a healthy, accountable, and stable democratic society.432