Civic engagement historically has defined America.

In 1995, Robert Putnam argued in his essay “Bowling Alone” that Americans increasingly eschew civic engagement, and this new trend is problematic for a democracy. If Americans do not engage in civic affairs, Americans will cease to be American, in the best sense of the word. Civic engagement has been measured for centuries by participation in civic associations. In fact, in 1835 Alexis de Tocqueville remarked: “Better use has been made of association and this powerful instrument of action has been applied for more varied aims in America than anywhere else in the world.”

In the U.S. Constitution, James Madison included several provisions that encourage civic involvement. Most notable is the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights, which protects the mediums through which citizens engage in society. Freedom of speech and of the press created a voice not only for the dominant forces of the public but for minorities as well, establishing an interaction between populace and state that made a responsive government possible.

Freedom of religion, freedom to assemble and freedom to petition promoted responsibility, engagement, and taking ownership of one’s life, forging an intimate connection between the American mentality of small-scale capitalism and the creation of a progressive government. The First Amendment set the framework for civic engagement in America. Its author devoted his time, efforts and talents to this cause.

Madison consistently engaged himself with the social and political concerns of the time. Along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay he published the “The Federalist,” which provided an interpretation of the Constitution. He also led the fight for the Constitution’s ratification. He served two terms as president, after which he produced several memoranda on political subjects. His civic involvement ended only with his death on June 28, 1836.

As a first-generation American, I am aware of the global revolution in freedom that America started more than 250 years ago. I find that teenagers often have a dim view of the world’s future. Ask students if the world today is headed for disaster and you will find affirmative references to war, global warming, pollution and terrorism. But take an unbiased view of human history and you will find that a higher proportion of humanity than ever before now has enough to eat, has a roof to sleep under, has clothes, has access to medical care and education. Things have been, in essentials, getting better.

I will bring this disconfirming data into public view. I will run for office, write articles, debate my peers, and spread the word every day of my life that we have made a difference, we are making a difference, and, as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, we will continue to make a difference.

John Donne wrote: “No man is an island.” Even in America’s first days, its founding fathers understood the importance of civic engagement. Democracy, they knew, is not a spectator sport; it requires consistent engagement and an emotional investment in civic life.