Omar Bennett
There is a widespread lack of knowledge about the constitution in the United States, with many Americans ignorant of their rights and how their government works. This has been attributed to a lack of civic education in schools and universities, with the Constitution rarely being taught or being presented as an outdated document in need of revision. This ignorance has been cited as a cause of national discontent, contributing to the polarization seen on social media and the election of officials with no fealty to the Constitution's precepts. It also leads to a lack of understanding of democratic norms and the virtues necessary in a democracy. The consequences of this ignorance are far-reaching, with attacks on fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and religion, and a growing hostility towards democratic norms, making it difficult for pro-democracy forces to gain support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of knowledge about the Constitution | 40% did not know Congress could declare war; 23% could not name any of the three branches of the federal government |
| Lack of civic education | Only 18% of colleges require a class in U.S. history or government for graduation |
| Lack of understanding of democratic norms | Many Americans do not know what it means to think democratically or understand the virtues and habits of mind necessary in a democracy |
| Alienation from constitutional democracy | Americans feel alienated from constitutional democracy, making it difficult for pro-democracy forces to rally public support |
| Inability to hold government accountable | Politicians treat the Constitution as a means to grant their wishes, rather than holding the government accountable |
| Inadequate knowledge of rights and freedoms | Americans do not know the rights protected by the Constitution, leading to the sacrifice of rights due to majority rule |
| Misinformation about the Constitution | People "know so much that isn't so," such as believing in a "hate speech exception" to the First Amendment |
| Outdated Constitution | The Constitution was designed for an agrarian society and is ill-suited to modern times, leading to ineffective policy responses |
| Polarization and dysfunction | Polarization and a focus on special interests have contributed to congressional dysfunction and inability to solve national problems |
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What You'll Learn
Lack of civic education
A lack of civic education is a significant contributing factor to the widespread ignorance about the Constitution. Civic education plays a crucial role in helping citizens understand the fundamentals of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the basic framework of the government. However, there is a growing deficit in civic education, with many citizens lacking a basic understanding of how their government works and the rights protected by the Constitution.
For instance, a survey of liberal arts colleges revealed that only 18% required a class in U.S. history or government for graduation. This lack of educational requirements contributes to the low levels of constitutional knowledge among young Americans. The same survey found that nearly 10% of college students mistakenly believed that Judge Judy served on the Supreme Court, and 40% were unaware of Congress's power to declare war. These findings highlight a concerning lack of understanding of basic governmental structures and processes.
The consequences of this civic ignorance are far-reaching. As noted by Austin Sarat, "historical and civic ignorance" contributes to the polarization seen on social media. Without a foundation in civic knowledge, individuals are more susceptible to the influence of divisive rhetoric and misinformation. This polarization, in turn, makes it challenging for pro-democracy forces to garner public support and effectively defend democratic norms.
Additionally, a lack of civic education can lead to a "tyranny of the majority," where the rights of individuals are sacrificed due to an overreliance on majority rule. The Constitution contains non-majority rules, such as presidential veto power and super-majorities required to amend the Constitution, to protect against federal abuses and safeguard individual liberties. However, without an understanding of these protections, citizens may inadvertently contribute to the erosion of their own freedoms.
To address this lack of civic education, there have been calls for a renewal of civic education in schools, colleges, and universities. By providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Constitution, civic education can empower them to make informed decisions, participate actively in democracy, and hold their leaders accountable. It is crucial to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of governance and uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution.
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National amnesia
The consequences of this national amnesia are significant. With a lack of understanding about how the government works, citizens are unable to make informed decisions about their leaders and their competence to govern. This ignorance also contributes to the polarization seen on social media, with individuals more susceptible to influence when they have no foundational knowledge to base their opinions on.
The alienation felt by many Americans towards constitutional democracy further exacerbates this issue. Citizens do not understand the virtues and habits necessary in a democracy, nor do they grasp the concept of thinking democratically. This leads to a lack of unity among the populace, which is essential for a functional democratic society.
The roots of this national amnesia can be traced back to the education system. A survey of liberal arts colleges found that only 18% required a class in U.S. history or government for graduation. This lack of civic education has resulted in a generation of Americans who are ill-equipped to understand and uphold the freedoms protected by the Constitution.
To combat this national amnesia, there must be a renewal of civic education. Students, parents, educational institutions, and lawmakers must work together to prioritize teaching about the Constitution and the democratic process. By doing so, Americans can begin to restore widespread awareness of their history and government and make more informed decisions about their leaders and their country's future.
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Politicians' attitudes
Some politicians and pundits, regardless of their political affiliations, may unintentionally or deliberately misinterpret the Constitution to suit their agendas. For instance, presenting the First Amendment right to free speech as not encompassing speech that others may find offensive, which is not in line with the Constitution. This misinterpretation can lead to a "hate speech exception" mentality, which is not constitutionally valid.
Additionally, politicians may treat the Constitution as a means to achieve their desired ends, rather than respecting its original intent. This attitude, often observed among "court-packers," involves manipulating and distorting the Constitution to advance specific projects or ideologies. They believe that by appointing the "right people" to the Supreme Court, they can push through their preferred agendas. This approach undermines the true purpose of the Constitution, which is to hold the government accountable and protect the rights of citizens.
The widespread constitutional ignorance provides fertile ground for politicians seeking to undermine democratic norms and replace them with authoritarianism. It becomes challenging for pro-democracy forces to garner public support when citizens do not fully grasp the principles and virtues of democratic governance.
To address this, politicians and leaders should go beyond praising democracy and actively educate citizens about the value of constitutional democracy. They must consistently advocate for and defend the democratic process, explaining why it is worth preserving and protecting.
Furthermore, the alienation many Americans feel towards constitutional democracy cannot be ignored. This alienation contributes to a lack of understanding of democratic principles and the rights and responsibilities within a democracy. Bridging this gap requires a self-critical approach to civic education, empowering citizens to recognise the importance of the rule of law and democratic values.
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Polarization on social media
The widespread ignorance about the constitution has led to a lack of understanding of how the government functions and the rights it is meant to protect. This has resulted in the election of officials who do not uphold the values and principles laid out in the constitution. Social media platforms have played a significant role in intensifying this polarization and contributing to its negative consequences.
While social media platforms like Facebook dispute the claim that they contribute to political polarization, research and observations suggest otherwise. Social media has been found to contribute to increased political polarization in the United States. This polarization has led to declining trust in fellow citizens and major institutions, the erosion of democratic norms, and political violence.
Social media users often sort themselves into polarized networks by unfollowing or blocking those with differing views, creating what researchers call "epistemic bubbles" or "echo chambers." Within these bubbles, users are exposed primarily to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing their viewpoints and potentially leading to more extreme positions. This dynamic can result in a loss of trust in commonly held facts and institutions, as individuals within these bubbles may question or dismiss information that contradicts their beliefs.
Additionally, social media platforms have enabled the rapid spread of misinformation and facilitated the organization of extremist groups, further contributing to polarization and undermining constitutional principles. For example, during the confirmation hearings for Judge Robert Bork in 1987, left-wing politicians made scathing remarks about the judge, demonstrating their contempt for an originalist interpretation of the Constitution. This set a precedent for evaluating judicial nominees based on perceived political opinions rather than qualifications, contributing to the polarization around the Supreme Court and other judicial appointments.
To address these issues, interventions are needed to curb polarization and promote the dissemination of accurate information about constitutional principles on social media platforms. While social media was not anticipated in the original design of the Constitution, it has become a powerful force that influences political discourse and the understanding of constitutional rights and values.
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Democratic alienation
The consequences of this democratic alienation are far-reaching. It contributes to the polarization prevalent on social media, making it easier for individuals to be influenced by divisive rhetoric and misinformation. This polarization, in turn, affects the functioning of Congress, which is already hampered by its inherent structure that prioritizes local interests over national ones. The result is a legislative body that struggles to address the nation's problems effectively and cohesively.
Additionally, democratic alienation enables the erosion of rights and freedoms. When citizens are unaware of their constitutional rights, they may inadvertently sacrifice them due to majority rule or government overreach. This ignorance can lead to a "'tyranny of the majority,' where the rights of individuals or minority groups are trampled upon. It also provides an opportunity for politicians to manipulate and distort the Constitution for their own agenda, as we have seen with the controversial confirmation battles for the Supreme Court.
To address democratic alienation, there is a pressing need for civic education reform. This includes improving how civics is taught in schools and encouraging critical thinking about the Constitution and democratic values. Leaders and educators must emphasize the importance of constitutional democracy and actively engage citizens in understanding its relevance and value. By fostering a deeper understanding of democratic principles and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, we can empower individuals to participate meaningfully in shaping their society.
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