The ForumCivic Literacy
Civic Illiteracy a Growing Problem Among College Students
America’s colleges and universities have historically served as the embodiment of the fundamental principles which shape America.
Civics class, and principles of democracy class (or “problems” of democracy, depending on who you ask) are supposed to give young people a solid basis for understanding how our government functions.
Recent survey data indicate many weren’t paying very much attention.
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni’s “A Crisis in Civic Education” report outlines some depressing findings about civic knowledge. In a survey of college graduates, both new and old:
• 60 percent did not know the process for amending the Constitution.
• Nearly 50 percent did not know the term limits for federal lawmakers.
• Nearly 10 percent think that Judge Judith Sheindlin, better known as “Judge Judy” — wait for it — is a U.S. Supreme Court justice.
Older college grads fared better in their responses. But the data overall seem to indicate that civics education today is a joke.
Far too many Americans are likely to believe that the First Amendment guarantees they can say anything they want without repercussions, when in fact they are only protected from retaliation by the government. And the ACTA report showed that it’s not just young people but also their parents, whose civic knowledge isn’t up to snuff.
Want to show you love your country? Learn about how it works and pass that knowledge on to your kids. James Madison — who nearly
80 percent of respondents couldn’t identify as “the Father of the Constitution” — will thank you.
America’s colleges and universities have historically served as the embodiment of the fundamental principles which shape America.
Over the last 60 years, there has been unconscionable neglect of civics and American history at both the K-12 and university levels.
Desperation and disillusionment with the political system run rampant among young Americans. Growing up in a nation characterized by political polarization and economic strife, Gen Z has been fed a hopeless narrative: problems are too big, and our votes are ineffective.
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