When I was in the 8th grade I took a mandatory US government class. To receive a passing grade you had to pass the US citizen test.
Born and raised in Phila. Catholic school for first 8 years.
1950’s - learned about parties, platforms, and yes even planks
1960;s - 9-12 - Public school due to relocation - outside of Philly
Civics class was more sociology - beginning of touchy feely world