New Survey Shows Why States Must Renew Focus on Civics Education
America's founding principles have endured because previous generations learned them, debated them, defended them, and passed them on.
As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and reflect on our great nation’s founding ideals and future, states have a renewed responsibility to ensure students understand the constitutional inheritance they are being asked to preserve. This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but also a reminder that the next generation must be equipped with the knowledge and commitment needed to keep America strong for another 250 years.
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) recently released a new report, The Story of Our Nation: How Well Do College Students Know America?, which surveyed more than 3,000 college and university students about American history and government. The results, unfortunately, show that many students are not graduating high school with even a basic level of knowledge regarding these subjects.
Only 45% of college students know that the Constitution established the division of powers between the states and the federal government. 54% did not know that the Constitution charges the federal government with regulating interstate commerce. And 43% of college students did not know that the First Amendment prohibits Congress from passing laws that ban hate speech. These are questions about basic, foundational knowledge that students should have about our country before receiving a high school diploma. The survey shows that nearly half of students are graduating without this knowledge.
Our system of self-government depends on citizens who understand its structure, limits, and purpose. Partisan debate is not needed when teaching basic facts like federalism, the separation of powers, free speech, and the numerous rights protected by the Constitution. When students lack this foundational knowledge, they are less prepared to participate responsibly in civic life as adults.
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence should be more than a commemoration. It is also a call to action. State policymakers can use this moment to strengthen civics and history instruction before students reach adulthood. The ALEC model American Civics and History Act offers one practical path forward by requiring instruction in U.S. history, American civics, and U.S. and state government; emphasizing primary sources such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers; and adding transparency and accountability for instructional materials and civics outcomes.
America’s founding principles have endured because previous generations learned them, debated them, defended them, and passed them on. As the nation enters its next 250 years, states should make sure the next generation is equipped to do the same.