Shocking Stats: 1 in 3 Americans Failing Basic Civics Test Threatens Democracy’s Future
According to recent data, alarming statistics reveal that one in three Americans fail a basic civics test, posing a serious threat to the future of democracy in the United States. Proposed changes to the U.S. citizenship exam have brought this issue to the forefront, raising concerns about the lack of understanding among natural-born citizens about the country’s history, government, and civic duties.
Prominent figures, including former Secretaries of Education, have long advocated for a national renewal of civics education to equip citizens with the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills to engage meaningfully in democracy. However, recent educational assessment data indicates that the country is moving in the wrong direction.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the nation’s report card for civics education in May, revealing a decline in scores for the first time since 1998 when eighth-grade students were first tested on their civics acumen. The results are shocking—the data shows that nearly 80% of students are not proficient in civics. This statistic should be deeply concerning for anyone who values the longevity of America as a thriving nation. It underscores an urgent need to explore innovative approaches to civics education.
Fortunately, a new and exciting model has emerged to reignite interest in civics education by making it enjoyable. Recently, middle school students from across Texas gathered at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas to compete in the state’s first-ever National Civics Bee. These students dedicated months to preparing for the competition, writing essays about community issues, and emerging as champions in regional contests organized by local chambers of commerce.
This initiative is not confined to Texas alone. The concept of hosting these competitions originated from a pioneering collaboration between the Daniels Fund, a private charitable organization based in Denver, Colorado, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Washington, D.C. This year, over 50 communities in nine states organized their own National Civics Bee competitions, and the plan is to expand this approach to civic engagement to several more states by 2024.
Addressing significant problems often demands bold solutions, and philanthropic organizations are perfectly positioned to tackle the challenge of civics education without the risk of politicization that government intervention might bring. Voluntary associations like the U.S. Chamber Foundation and the Daniels Fund can swiftly work together to find solutions that benefit everyone in the community.
Civics education must not be an afterthought if American democracy is to endure. As Hanna Skandera, president of the Daniels Fund, emphasized during the recent Texas competition, the founders of the country recognized that an informed and engaged citizenry is essential for the thriving of the American form of government. Undoubtedly, her organization and the U.S. Chamber Foundation are betting that this innovative approach to civics education can gain traction. However, they cannot accomplish this alone.
Here’s how you can contribute: If you hold an elected office, step up to be a judge at a local or state competition, inspiring your local chamber to host one. Businesses can collaborate with local chambers to sponsor and facilitate these crucial events. As a parent, take an active role in encouraging your child to participate in next year’s competition.
Recent years have placed American democracy under various stress tests, and there will undoubtedly be more to come. By revitalizing interest in history and civics among students, families, and businesses, we can equip all Americans with the knowledge and resources necessary to bridge our divides. The future of America relies on each of us playing a part in ensuring its vibrancy and endurance, and the National Civics Bee acts as a promising and valuable experiment on which we can build.
