This article undertakes a comparative study of the renewal of civic education both in France and in America. It posits that the rising concern about the subject speaks to a broader interest for civic matters and citizenship. Civic education is in fact implicitly presented as the key solution to political apathy and disengagement of the youth and to the growing number of incivilities and violent actions at school.

The article first shows that the teaching of civics clearly remains unsatisfactory in both countries. It then reviews the major arguments presented by those who call for a renewal of the field. Finally, it explains why all these expectations are too high and concludes that schools should not be considered as the only arena of political socialization.