A recent revelation that only 36 percent of American adults can pass the U.S. citizenship test paints a sobering picture of the nation’s civic knowledge—or lack thereof. This exam, designed to measure a fundamental understanding of American history, government, and principles, should be common knowledge for any informed citizen. Yet, the majority of Americans fail to meet even this modest standard. This alarming trend reflects deeper systemic issues, including an education system that has deprioritized civics and a culture increasingly disinterested in civic responsibility. It begs the question: how can a republic survive when its people don’t know the basic tenets of its governance?
The younger generation’s performance is even more troubling. A 2023 report revealed that only three percent of high school students could pass the citizenship test. That’s not a typo—three percent. These future voters are supposed to steer the country toward progress, yet most of them couldn’t tell you the purpose of the Constitution, the causes of the Revolutionary War, or the functions of government. With this level of ignorance, expecting them to make informed decisions at the ballot box feels like a stretch, if not a full-blown crisis. A democracy without an educated electorate is a democracy on borrowed time.
Adding salt to the wound, immigrants seeking naturalization often outperform native-born citizens on the same test. The U.S. citizenship test is no brain-buster—it requires applicants to answer six out of ten questions correctly to pass. Despite this relatively low bar, immigrants routinely demonstrate a stronger grasp of American history and civics than people who have lived here their entire lives. It’s both ironic and disheartening that those striving to join this nation are more invested in understanding its foundations than many who already benefit from its freedoms.
The roots of this civic ignorance lie in an educational system that has steadily sidelined history and civics. With an overemphasis on STEM fields and standardized testing, schools have relegated the study of democracy and governance to an afterthought. This neglect, coupled with a cultural environment consumed by social media distractions and partisan shouting matches, has made meaningful civic discussions a rarity. If people don’t understand the principles of their government, how can they hold it accountable?
Compounding the issue, some schools have adopted revisionist curricula that focus on grievances rather than foundational ideals. Students are often taught to view American history through a lens of cynicism, diminishing their appreciation for the aspirations and achievements embedded in founding documents like the Declaration of Independence. Instead of fostering a balanced understanding of history, these approaches often leave students with a fragmented and biased perspective. If these trends persist, future generations may not only lack the knowledge to engage in democracy but also the appreciation for why it matters. This growing disconnect could prove disastrous for the nation’s ability to sustain itself as a free and functioning republic.
