Civic competence has been posited as an important outcome of productive adolescent development. This chapter introduces a relational model of civic competence, including factors that may lead some individuals onto pathways to the development of civically competent behavior. More specifically, the model describes the significance of relationship quality with parents, peers, and friends as well as socially competent (or incompetent) behaviors in the development of civic competence. The model suggests social relationships as a significant antecedent to civic competence and as a buffer for risks associated with disengagement. Because this model focuses on relationship quality, it is evident that it is embedded in cultural practices and values. Inevitably, the role of relationships and social competence on civic competence outcomes also varies as a function of who the child, the parents, and the friends are. Finally, we propose that adolescents’ positive experiences with friends and parents may encourage the development of civic competence even for individuals who were initially aggressive or anxiously withdrawn as children.