The U. S. was founded on the principle that ordinary citizens would rule, but most students are not taught to be rulers. Colonists in New England worked together on issues for the common good, and children learned the skills of associating from their parents. Today, however, many citizens feel they cannot make a difference, and civic participation has declined. If our democracy is to last, civic participation must become central to the curriculum. This article includes ingredients of a curriculum for democracy and examples of school programs that include those ingredients.