The idea that U.S. schools have a distinctively civic mission has been recognized since the earliest days of the republic. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, and others believed that the civic mission of schools was to foster the qualities of mind and heart required for successful government within a constitutional democracy. People still believe that education for responsible citizenship should be the schools' top priority. It is worth noting that over the course of 32 years of Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup polling the public has not wavered in that conviction. This paper contends, however, that civic education is grossly neglected and provides abundant evidence highlighting several studies to make its case. The paper discusses the preliminary report in 2001 of the National Commission on the High School Senior Year. It concludes that it is imperative that all people receive the kind of civic education that enables them to fulfill their everyday responsibilities of citizenship: taking part in the discussion of public matters; participating in organizations that make up civil society; monitoring government officials and institutions; serving on juries; voting; and seeking or holding public office. (BT)