Education for which of the following concepts has been a long-standing goal of schools in the U.S.?

The concept of citizenship has been a foundational goal in U.S. education because it directly relates to preparing students to participate actively and responsibly in a democratic society. Schools aim to instill a sense of civic responsibility, understanding of government processes, and awareness of rights and duties, enabling students to engage meaningfully in their communities.

Historically, the education system has emphasized the importance of informed and engaged citizens who can contribute to the common good and uphold democratic values. This includes teaching students about their constitutional rights, the importance of voting, and civic engagement.

In contrast, while freedom, individualism, and economics are significant aspects of American life, they do not focus specifically on the role of an individual within the context of a democratic society in the same way that citizenship does. Freedom often relates to personal rights and liberties, individualism emphasizes personal identity and autonomy, and economics focuses more on financial literacy and the workings of the economy. These concepts are important, but they do not encapsulate the overarching aim of schools to foster informed, responsible, and active citizens in a democracy.