The founding fathers knew that democracy depends on an educated citizenry that understands how the system works.

Thomas Jefferson advocated for public education for that reason and defended the need for citizens to be taxed for it. But for years civics education has been shuffled aside for the sciences and mandatory testing.

Today on All Sides with Ann Fisher we take a look at America's lapse in civic literacy.

Guests:

Scott Sargrad, vice president of K-12 education policy, Center for American Progress
Charles Salter, president and COO, News Literacy Project
Christopher R. Riano, president, Center for Civic Education
Kelley Stocker, government teacher, Westerville High School; and host, Government Girl podcast