Supreme Court Justices traditionally stand but do not applaud for the President when he enters the House chamber for the State of the Union Address. During the President's Address, the Justices do not stand or applaud, not out of a lack of respect for the President, but to maintain their political neutrality. You raise a very interesting and important question. Because you ask the question, I'm guessing you believe that civic life in America is, in fact, on the decline. There are many indicators which suggest this is the case.
Voter turnout is low while cynicism and apathy are up.
Local community organizations are also generally on the decline. Based on this evidence, it is easy to conclude that civic life is not in particularly good shape in America. Whatever the case, things could be better. I don't believe there is any one solution, but better civic education in elementary and secondary schools would certainly be a good place to start. I have taught introductory American government to college freshman on several occasions and I have been very disappointed in the general lack of knowledge about and understanding of even the most fundamental aspects of this nation's history and government.