Politics are a hot topic these days, and people love to share their opinions on them. But new research reveals that when it comes to how our government actually works, a lot of Americans are completely clueless.
- The 2023 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey has just been released and it shows many Americans don’t know what rights are protected under the First Amendment and can’t name all three branches of government.
- The poll, which comes out every year to celebrate Constitution Day (September 17th), finds that just 66% of Americans can name all three branches of our government (executive, legislative and judiciary). And that’s an improvement from 47% last year.
- Only 10% can name two branches, 7% can name one and 17% can’t name any branches of the government.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center’s survey also asks about the First Amendment and which rights it guarantees.
- More than three-quarters (77%) correctly name freedom of speech, up from 63% last year.
- 40% name freedom of religion, an increase from 24% in last year’s poll.
- A third (33%) name the right to assembly, up from 16% in 2022.
- Just over a quarter (28%) name freedom of the press, more than last year’s 20%.
- Only 9% name the right to petition the government, but it’s still an increase over 6% in 2022.
- Just 5% of U.S. adults correctly name all five First Amendment rights, while 20% can’t even name one.
Source: Annenberg Public Policy Center
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