There exists a plethora of writings about citizenship, or "civic virtue," in a democracy. Articles, books, reports, and commentaries proliferate, and the theme is continually stressed in the multiple activities of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). In this article, the author believes that a summary of the leading features of the history of civic virtue, including newer multidisciplinary approaches, allows individuals some perspective on where they stand today and what a next step might be. The author wishes to add voice to those who are greatly disturbed by the current state of American political behavior: the misuse of plebiscitarian constitutions, as in California; misleading statements by politicians; a disregard of compelling and complex global and domestic issues; the appeal to selfish and short-sighted aims; and the influence of special-interest groups and individuals.