Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Centre have concluded that Americans are more aware of their rights as their civics knowledge has increased since 2006.
The researchers conducted an annual poll of about 1000 Americans. They found that 56% of the participants can name the three government branches, that is, judicial, legislative, and executive, which is an improvement from 2006 when only 33% could name the branches. However, 1 in 5 could not recall even one branch of government.
Americans are still confused about the First Amendment
Another 74% were aware that the First Amendment protects their freedom of speech compared to 73% in 2020. Fewer Americans knew that it also protects the right to petition (20%), right to assembly (30%), freedom of the press (50%) Americans, and freedom of religion (56%).
Despite their knowledge of the First Amendment, many Americans are confused about how it should be applied. About 55% of liberals, 61% of moderates, and 66% of conservatives believe the first amendment should apply to censorship from social media companies. However, the First Amendment only protects people from government censorship which does not apply to social media companies like Facebook as they are private entities.
The study participants also seemed confused about how long public officials stay in office. Only 35% knew that a senator stayed in office for six years, while 36% knew a congressman served for two years.
Moreover, 51% of the respondents knew that the Supreme court could decide if a president’s actions were unconstitutional or not. Another 1 in 3 wrongly believes that the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling does not become law and is instead sent to a lower court (15%) or Congress for reconsideration (19%).
Americans have different opinions on the capitol riots.
Americans are also split on the Capitol riot. About 49% believe arresting protesters who stormed the Capitol building went against their rights to protest the government. The same number believe arresting them was the right move. About 42% of liberals, 51% of moderates, and 53% of conservatives think arresting the protestors was unconstitutional.
The researchers found that taking a civics class in high school contributed to civics knowledge. About 56% of the respondents took a civics class in high school.
