Civic literacy is the knowledge and skills that citizens need to effectively participate in civic life. It includes understanding the political system, the role of government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the ability to think critically about political issues. Civic literacy also involves effective communication, civic engagement, and taking action to influence public policies and community change. Key aspects of civic literacy are:

• Knowledge of how government functions at local, state, national, and global levels.
• Understanding citizenship duties and rights.
• Skills to stay informed on civic matters and evaluate public issues critically.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with others, engage in dialogue, and participate in democratic processes like voting and advocacy.
• Motivation and capacity to act for community and societal betterment.

Civic literacy is essential for a healthy democracy since it empowers citizens to be informed, participate actively, and hold elected officials accountable. It can be fostered through education in schools, public engagement programs, and community involvement opportunities. In summary, civic literacy equips individuals with the tools and understanding needed to make their voices heard and contribute to democratic governance and community well-being effectively. This foundational competence supports citizen power and peaceful change in society. This definition and explanation synthesize information from multiple authoritative sources on civic literacy.