Cultivating Good Citizenship
This book explores the concept of good citizenship, discussing how it can be nurtured and its implications for civics education, constitutional structures, and political leadership.
Pointing to concerns about a crisis of democracy, characterized by declining citizen engagement and confidence in political processes, the book begins by defining “good citizenship.” It traces the evolution of the concept from ancient times to the present, highlighting the values that underpin good citizenship in a society based on the value of human dignity.
The book then examines how voter disengagement is linked to shortcomings in civics education, particularly the failure to teach students not only the mechanics of a country’s constitution but also the values underlying it.
It discusses the role of constitutional design in fostering good citizenship, arguing that shortcomings in a constitution, such as an electoral system that does not accurately reflect votes in seats, the failure to protect human rights and inadequate mechanisms to ensure executive accountability, erode citizens’ trust in the political system.
The book then addresses how political leadership that prioritizes emotional appeals over reason and partisan interests over the public good contributes to voter disengagement and a loss of confidence in the political system.
By adopting a comparative approach and drawing on examples from various jurisdictions, the book offers valuable insights and practical guidance for enhancing good citizenship. This comparative analysis not only broadens the book’s appeal but also enhances its marketability, making it a significant resource for understanding and improving democratic engagement.
Bede Harris was born in Zimbabwe. After graduating with a B.A. (Mod) from Trinity College, University of Dublin, he studied law in South Africa and graduated with an LLB cum laude from Rhodes University. He began his academic career at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. He subsequently taught at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, where he obtained his D.Phil. He was awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholarship and attended the American Studies Institute at Lafayette College in the United States, during the course of which he visited native American communities and observed tribal government. He is currently Senior Lecturer in law at Charles Sturt University. He is Author of nine books and over 50 book chapters and articles on Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Indigenous Legal Issues and Corporations Law.