This article presents the natural rights construct as the perspective used in civic education, by outlining its moral, theoretical, and curricular elements. Morally, the construct holds a liberal view of individual rights and liberty from subjugation. The theoretical element consists of a description of the political systems model, which identifies the structural, functional, and procedural elements of modern polities. In terms of curriculum, the article describes the structural and functional emphasis characterizing civic courses. Resulting instruction has conveyed a strong defense of individual liberties and a practical neutral view of governmental decision making. Last, the article provides a critique of the natural rights perspective, emphasizing its promotion of excessive individualism at the expense of a communal approach to civic participation. (Contains 13 notes.)