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Senate approves civics curriculum change to name U.S. government a republic after floor debate
Summary
The Utah Senate passed First Substitute House Bill 220 to require civics instruction to include study of forms of government and to identify the United States form as a republic. Senators debated whether the language oversimplifies democracy vs. republic and whether the legislature should direct curriculum language.
The Utah State Senate passed First Substitute House Bill 220 on a roll-call vote after extended floor discussion over civics instruction language.
Sponsor Senator Madsen told colleagues the bill makes a narrow change to help students understand forms of government. "Instruction in American history and government shall include a study of forms of government such as the democracy, monarchy and oligarchy and The United States form of government which is a republic," Madsen said on the floor, describing the statutory language added in lines 35–37.
Several senators questioned the scope and tone of the change. "What is the difference then between a democracy and a republic?" asked Senator Davis during questioning, prompting a longer exchange about direct democracy, representative government and the role of initiatives and referenda. Senator Morgan said the United States is a "democratically elected republic" and urged precise language that acknowledges both representative institutions and direct-democratic elements.
Supporters argued the bill clarifies instruction for students and helps teach the principles of representative government. Opponents and skeptics warned against oversimplifying civic theory and noted the legislature’s limits in dictating curriculum detail.
After a discussion of potential amendments and placement of qualifying language, the Senate recorded 28 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent. The bill will be placed on the third-reading calendar as it advances through the legislative process.
The transcript records the floor debate and the roll-call announcement of the tally; further refinements in statutory language and precise classroom materials are left to subsequent drafting and the education process.
