By Bob Jentges
NORTH MANKATO — The federal government derives its authority (what it can and can not do) from the U.S. Constitution and its power (political strength) from the consent of the governed. Do we understand basic civics? If not, does the fault rest with the individual, public education, or both?
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) conducted their fourth study over the past few years attempting to get an idea of American citizens basic knowledge of civics. Some 2,508 volunteers selected at random including college students and graduates, non-college graduates, college teachers, elected political officials and others were given a 33 question quiz.
I selected just a few figures from a summary of the quiz results that might keep you up at night: 57 percent of college graduates received a failing score; the average score for college teachers was 55 percent; the average score for all Americans was 49 percent. Even more shocking is that 51 percent could not name the three branches of government, and 30 percent of political office holders did not know that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are the inalienable rights referred to in the Declaration of Independence.
The summary of the results further determined that college graduates, compared with non-college graduates, were less likely to believe that hard work and perseverance can make the American Dream come true, but were more likely to believe that “America’s founding documents are obsolete.”
But the summary includes good news too. It suggests the influence civic knowledge exerts on a person's views is that it appears to produce a more independent frame of mind. The way I see it more of us need to get informed and get involved, before federal taxpayers can no longer afford their own government!
The quiz is at: http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx
Bob Jentges, North Mankato, is a former high school teacher/coach and insurance company claims superintendent and is part of a Free Press reader group asked to comment on issue of the day. He considers himself a conservative.
