A citizen of a democratic country should possess certain attitudes, skills, and knowledge to understand and participate in the process of political decision-making. A discussion on citizenship education must start with defining the concepts that are being used. The paper defines citizenship, democracy, and civil society; describes the four dimensions of citizenship; defines and discusses in detail citizenship education; and outlines the core competencies of democratic citizenship education. Three educational models to teach citizenship in different educational settings are presented: (1) a model from the United States; (2) a global model; and (3) a Dutch model. Contains 34 notes, 16 references, and 4 annexes, including core competencies, the "Civitas Project," questions to analyze social and political problems, and organizing questions and content summary questions for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Assessment. (BT)