Importance of history and government in our society cannot be understated. Since the creation of mankind, understanding historical occurrences has been a key phenomenon of all people around the word. Consequently, learning the subject has been an integral aspect of the Kenyan education system. In this article, we respond to the question, “why is history and government important in society?”

Why is history and government important in society

As an academic subject in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning, “discuss the importance of studying history and government” has been a popular question in Continuous Assessment Tests, (CATs) and KCSE. To help you answer the question, the following are some of the reasons why history and government is important in society;

1. It helps learners understand the connection between historical occurrences and current governance systems. Without history, the society we live in shares no connection of where it has been, its core values, or the different historical decisions that have shaped the present government systems.
2. It equips students with requisite skills and competencies to understand their rights, obligations and duties necessary for active participation in society.
3. It helps learners appreciate how different conflicts arise in communities and how such conflicts can be addressed
4. It helps learners participate in critical societal activities, for instance, learners can participate in democratic processes such as voting during elections.
5. It prepares students for careers requiring deep knowledge in government and governance systems; e.g. History teacher, historian, archeologist, among others
6. It empowers students with practical skills to deal with the government now and in future
7. It promotes democracy and active participation in society.
8. Through understanding history and government, citizens can bring significant changes in society, communities and country
9. It helps learners appreciate different governance systems for effective participation in society and governance systems
10. It creates awareness among learners to understand the benefit of an organized government system to safeguard against political instabilities such as anarchy

Final word

History and government is one of the group 3 subjects taught is secondary schools. It is a crucial subject that helps learners appreciate the historical happenings and current governance systems globally. History and government is important in society because it helps citizens participate actively in democratic processes, helps learners connect the past and the present, prepares learners for different careers such as; historian, history teacher, and archeologists among others.