Eleanor Finch
The United States Constitution, signed in 1787, is a charter of government that outlines the framework for the country's governmental system. It enumerates the rights of citizens and allocates power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. While the Constitution is widely celebrated, many Americans are unfamiliar with its key provisions. Recent studies, such as the Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, have found that a significant portion of US adults struggle to name the branches of government or the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment. This raises important questions about civic education in schools and colleges, with only a third of college-educated respondents reporting that they had taken a course focused on the US system of government and the Constitution. As George Washington once said, A primary object... should be the education of our youth in the science of government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of survey | August 9-15, 2023 |
| Number of participants | 1,482 U.S. adults |
| Margin of error | ± 3.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level |
| Respondents with some high school education who took a civics course on the Constitution or judicial system | 59% |
| Respondents with at least some college education who took a college course on the U.S. system of government and the Constitution | 33% |
| Percentage of U.S. adults who cannot name any of the branches of government | 16% |
| Percentage of U.S. adults who can name all five freedoms protected by the First Amendment | 5% |
| Date the Constitution was written and signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Location the Constitution was written and signed | Independence Hall, Philadelphia |
| Date the Constitution was published in a newspaper | September 19, 1787 |
| Date Constitution Day was established by law | 2004 |
| Date designated as Citizenship Day | September 17 |
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What You'll Learn
- How many college seniors have taken a course on the Constitution?
- What are the basic rights and duties outlined in the Constitution?
- How does the Constitution affect the Supreme Court's powers?
- What are the differences in knowledge levels between online and phone survey respondents?
- What is the purpose of Constitution Day and how is it celebrated?
How many college seniors have taken a course on the Constitution?
It is unclear how many college seniors have taken a course on the Constitution. However, it is evident that many people lack knowledge about the U.S. Constitution, as revealed by the Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey. This survey, conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania, found that one in six U.S. adults cannot name any branches of the government, and only one in 20 can name all five freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
The Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey, also released by APPC, provides some insight into the number of individuals who have taken courses on the Constitution. In 2023, about a third (33%) of respondents with at least some college education stated that they had taken a college course focusing on the U.S. system of government and the Constitution. This number is comparable to the percentage of high school students who have taken civics courses on the Constitution, which stands at 59%.
While the survey data does not specify the number of college seniors who have taken Constitution courses, it indicates that a significant proportion of college-educated individuals have some exposure to this subject. It is worth noting that the survey results also vary depending on the mode of administration, with online respondents generally exhibiting higher knowledge levels than phone respondents.
The importance of understanding the Constitution cannot be overstated. It is the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for the American government and enumerating the rights and freedoms of its citizens. To ensure a well-informed citizenry, educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting constitutional literacy. Some colleges and universities, such as Winthrop University, require students to take courses on the Constitution as part of their graduation requirements. Additionally, certain states, like California, mandate that candidates for specific credentials demonstrate knowledge of the Constitution by completing a college-level course or examination.
By providing students with the opportunity to engage in deep thinking and analysis of the Constitution, educational institutions can foster a better understanding of America's founding principles and empower individuals to apply these principles to contemporary issues.
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What are the basic rights and duties outlined in the Constitution?
The US Constitution, signed in 1787, is a charter of government that outlines the basic rights and duties of American citizens. It is the supreme law of the land and has played a significant role in spreading democratic ideals worldwide.
The Constitution establishes the structure of the US government and enumerates the powers allocated to each branch: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation of powers is essential to maintaining a balance and avoiding political abuse.
The Constitution also includes the Bill of Rights, which guarantees civil rights and liberties to individuals. These include freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, the right to keep and bear arms, and freedom from unreasonable searches. The Bill of Rights also sets rules for due process and reserves powers for the people or the states that are not delegated to the federal government.
The Ninth Amendment further emphasizes that the listing of specific rights in the Constitution does not deny or disparage other rights retained by the people. Similarly, the Tenth Amendment clarifies that the federal government's powers are limited to those explicitly delegated in the Constitution.
While the Constitution outlines these fundamental rights and duties, surveys suggest that many Americans, including college-educated individuals, may not have a comprehensive understanding of its contents. The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey found that only one in 20 respondents could name all five freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
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How does the Constitution affect the Supreme Court's powers?
The United States Constitution, specifically Article III, establishes the federal judiciary and outlines the powers of the Supreme Court. Article III, Section 1 states that the "judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." This provision recognises the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land and grants it the power to oversee inferior courts established by Congress.
The Constitution also grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in certain cases. For instance, the Judiciary Act of 1789 gave the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, or legal orders compelling government officials to act according to the law. However, the Supreme Court noted that the Constitution did not permit it to have original jurisdiction in this matter, demonstrating the Court's interpretation of its own authority under the Constitution.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear cases on appeal that involve constitutional or federal law. This includes cases where the United States is a party, cases involving treaties, and admiralty cases. The Supreme Court can decide whether to hear these cases, and it agrees to review a small fraction of the thousands of cases it is asked to consider each year.
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review is another significant aspect of its authority. This power enables the Court to declare legislative or executive acts as unconstitutional, ensuring that each branch of government respects the limits of its power. The Court also protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution and setting limits on democratic government to prevent the majority from infringing on the rights of minorities.
While the Supreme Court possesses vast power, it is not without checks and balances. The Constitution provides for these restrictions, which can be exercised by elected branches to hold the Court accountable for its actions. Additionally, Congress has the power to shape the organisation of the Supreme Court and has altered the number of seats on the Court over time.
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What are the differences in knowledge levels between online and phone survey respondents?
The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey is a nationally representative survey conducted annually by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. In 2022, the survey was conducted both online and over the phone. Researchers found that there were differences in the responses between the two modes of survey administration. Specifically, online respondents generally exhibited higher knowledge levels compared to phone respondents.
The online survey was self-administered, meaning that respondents completed it without an interviewer's assistance. This format may have contributed to the higher knowledge levels demonstrated by online respondents. It is possible that the absence of interviewer influence or pressure allowed online respondents to take their time, think more carefully about the questions, and provide more considered answers.
In contrast, phone interviews are typically conducted in a structured format, with an interviewer guiding the respondent through the survey. This format may be more prone to biases such as social desirability bias, where respondents provide answers that they believe are expected or socially acceptable, rather than accurately reflecting their knowledge or beliefs.
Additionally, the mode of administration may have impacted the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Online surveys tend to attract younger, more tech-savvy individuals, who may have different knowledge levels or perspectives compared to those who prefer phone communications.
However, it is important to note that the differences in knowledge levels between online and phone respondents may not be solely due to the mode of survey administration. Other factors, such as demographic differences between the two groups of respondents or varying levels of comfort and familiarity with the survey topic, may also have played a role.
To conclude, the Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey found that online respondents demonstrated higher knowledge levels compared to phone respondents. While the format of survey administration may have been a contributing factor, other variables such as demographic differences and topic familiarity should also be considered when interpreting these results.
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What is the purpose of Constitution Day and how is it celebrated?
Constitution Day, held annually on September 17, commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. The day recognizes all those who were born in the U.S. or became citizens by naturalization. The Constitution was written and signed in Philadelphia in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. It was written during the Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, which was conducted under an oath of secrecy.
Constitution Day was established by law in 2004. The act requires that any educational institution receiving federal funding must hold an educational program about the Constitution on September 17. Federal courts also participate by offering educational resources and experiences in their communities. Constitution Day is celebrated through activities, parades, and demonstrations of freedom and the blessings secured by the Founding Fathers. Schools and government agencies observe Constitution Day the week before and after September 17.
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution is often recited in unison on Constitution Day. This tradition stimulates reflection, writing, and civil discourse among teens and adults. Constitution Day is also an opportunity for new American citizens to participate in naturalization ceremonies in ballparks and federal courthouses across the U.S. These ceremonies are public events that bring communities, schools, and new citizens together.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear what percentage of college seniors know the purpose of the US Constitution, but a 2023 Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey found that only a third of respondents with at least some college education had taken a college course that focused on the US system of government and the Constitution.
The US Constitution was written and signed in 1787 as a charter of government that would be ratified by the states. It is the supreme law of the land and outlines the structure and powers of the government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also protects the rights of citizens, such as freedom of speech, religious freedom, and the right to bear arms.
Federal law requires schools and government agencies to teach the US Constitution. Constitution Day, established by law in 2004, mandates that educational institutions receiving federal funds hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17. Additionally, the National Center for Constitutional Studies (NCCS) provides resources and initiatives to enhance civics education and improve teaching about the Constitution.
The US Constitution is important because it serves as the framework for the US government and outlines the rights and freedoms of citizens. It is the result of passionate and thoughtful deliberation among the delegates during the Constitutional Convention and continues to shape American society and democratic ideals worldwide.
The US Constitution has a significant impact on our daily lives as it establishes the structure and powers of the government, influencing how laws are made and enforced. It also protects our basic human rights and ensures that governmental power is carefully limited and separated to avoid political abuse and tyranny.
