Skip to content

Less Than a Third of Young Americans Understand U.S. History and Government

Shocking survey results show young Americans struggle with basic civic knowledge. A new coalition, including groups from both sides of the political spectrum, is working to improve education and patriotism.

In this picture, we see the poster containing the college of the cartoons. We see some text written...
In this picture, we see the poster containing the college of the cartoons. We see some text written on this poster.

Less Than a Third of Young Americans Understand U.S. History and Government

A concerning survey reveals that less than a third of Americans under 45 have a solid grasp of their country's government and history. Meanwhile, 40% of college students believe violence can be justified to suppress hate speech. Patriotism has also seen a decline, with only 58% of adults expressing strong pride in being American, down from 87% in 2001.

The Department of Education, joined by around 40 other organizations, is working to bolster civic education. This initiative, announced by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, includes a coalition from the Trump administration and groups like Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Erika Donalds, co-chair of America 250 Civic Education Coalition and chair of Education Opportunity at America First Policy Institute, attributes the decline in patriotism to a focus on division rather than unity in education.

Only one in three Americans can pass a U.S. citizenship exam, indicating a significant knowledge gap. Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, is involved in promoting civic literacy. The goal of this collaborative effort is to help U.S. residents better appreciate and understand America's founding principles.

The Department of Education, along with numerous other organizations, is taking steps to improve civic education and patriotism. With less than a third of young Americans understanding their country's history and government, and only 58% of adults expressing strong pride in their citizenship, these efforts aim to foster a deeper appreciation for America's founding principles.

Read also:

Latest