Democratic education is an approach that emphasizes values and practices fundamental to democracy, cultivating students’ capacity to consciously engage in society, promoting social responsibility, critical thinking, and civic participation. Its central concept is participation: students not only learn democratic values but also practice them, becoming co-creators of their learning experiences and forming the foundation for active citizenship, which involves individual commitment to collective well-being and democratic processes.

Student-centered democratic education values their voices and perspectives, deepening their democratic understanding and commitment to an inclusive society. It provides a safe space to question social norms, fostering critical thinking and preparation to face injustices. By encouraging a questioning mindset, it forms individuals capable of identifying problems and seeking solutions—essential for active citizenship that upholds human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

This article, therefore, aims to analyze the interrelationships between democratic education and active citizenship, examining how the former can contribute to the development of individuals more engaged and committed to social well-being and civic participation. The research will use a qualitative approach based on exploratory and reflective methods, including a narrative literature review and critical analysis of key references. This enables the mapping and synthesis of existing literature on democratic education and active citizenship, identifying theoretical and empirical approaches that highlight how involving students in democratic practices within the educational environment can strengthen key competencies for active citizenship, such as critical thinking, cooperation, and empathy. The study also explores how the student-centered approach—characteristic of democratic education—provides a safe space for the development of a critical mindset, essential for analyzing and transforming social realities.

The results show that democratic education is an essential tool for strengthening active citizenship, as it creates conditions for students to understand, value, and practice democratic participation. This literature review makes it clear that by promoting citizenship values and experiences within the educational environment, it is possible to build a solid foundation for developing more participatory, just, and inclusive societies.

Keywords: Democratic education, active citizenship, participatory learning, civic engagement, social responsibility.