This ERIC digest discusses civic education in U.S. schools in terms of: (1) its meaning; (2) its place in the curriculum; (3) its effects on learners; and (4) suggested methods of improving it. Civic education involves the development of skills in making decisions about public issues and participating in public affairs and encompasses the preservation of core democractic concepts and values. Civic education has become an established part of social studies curricula and has increased as a result of a national trend toward law-related education (LRE). However, evidence suggests that over one-half of young adults lack the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that lead to responsible citizenship. Improvements in civic education might be achieved through: (1) an increase in the number of courses and time spent on lessons and in the depth and breadth of topics; (2) classroom environments that are conducive to open and free exchanges of ideas; (3) the teaching of public affairs issues in history, government, and LRE classes; (4) increased student participation in extracurricular activities; (5) less authoritarian school environments; and (6) the use of LRE programs to foster student interaction, to present all facets of public issues, to involve resource persons and school administrators, and to encourage staff development. Seventeen references and ERIC resources are included. (JHP)