Commentary
By Katherine Huit

When was the last time you talked to your teenager about public affairs? Have you tried for a balanced view by examining a political issue from the other side? Do you talk about current events with family, friends or co-workers? How do the events of the day fit into the overall scheme of history?

These simple endeavors, along with participation in local governmental activities, increase civic literacy.

I recently participated in a 118-question Intercollegiate Studies Institute survey about the institutions and history of the United States. Questions ranged from naming two countries that were enemies of the U.S. during World War II, to identifying the commander in chief of the U.S. military. It also sought the participant’s understanding about the impact the Anti-Federalists had upon the U.S. Constitution, and about fiscal policy combinations a government might use for economic stimulation during a severe recession.

My score, at 87.9 percent, placed me among the highest four percent. I learned that of the 2,508 American adults surveyed — ranging from those without a high school diploma to those with advanced degrees — 1,791 scored 59.9 percent or lower. The average score was 49 percent.

With all the resources devoted to the American education system, one might think higher education would significantly improve civic literacy. Yet in surveys conducted at 50 colleges nationwide during 2007, freshman scored an average of 51.4 percent and seniors averaged 54.2 percent.

My experience teaching an American history survey course at a state university in the late 1990s matched the findings of the survey. Most of my students, ranging from freshman to seniors, didn’t know the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

High school graduates should understand the basics. They should be able to name the three branches of government and understand the accountability of each to the American people. College graduates should understand the causes and outcomes of America’s Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and understand constitutional principles and market economics. Yet only 54 percent of those graduating in 2007 understood the basic description of a free enterprise system — a system in which all Americans participate.

It was hugely disappointing to find that American officeholders typically have less knowledge of civics than the public they represent, with an average score of 44 percent. Even more worrisome, 33 percent of officeholders surveyed did not know that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are inalienable rights defined in the Declaration of Independence.

The ISI survey questions are similar to those administered to individuals applying for U.S. citizenship. Immigrants must attain a basic understanding of U.S. history and government; have good moral character and an affinity for the principles of the U.S. Constitution. The naturalization study guide consists of 100 comprehensive questions and answers; however, the actual test consists of an immigration official asking 10 questions orally. To achieve citizenship, the immigrant must answer six out of ten correctly.

This information prompted further concern regarding America’s civic literacy: Does the process of attaining citizenship really teach the basics of U.S. history and civics? Do immigrants understand what it means to be an American? While the U.S. is composed of people from numerous countries, the United States of America is one, not many, nations. Do immigrants — and the rest of us — understand the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the sacrifices made by our founders and generations of Americans to gain and maintain our civil rights and liberties?

Working with other Founding Fathers in an effort to define America’s system of higher education, Thomas Jefferson drafted a plan that was unanimously adopted. It described how a strong education system would develop future public leaders. Not providing our children — and immigrants to the United States — with a strong understanding about American civics weakens our country.

Further, if Americans are not versed in their own civics, how can they understand America’s role globally?

Yes, the evidence shows that our schools are failing to teach our children about American civics; however, the responsibility does not lie entirely with our educational institutions. America’s media and its citizens share equal responsibility. So what are you doing to help yourself or your children achieve A’s in American civic literacy?

Today’s America is a weaker country because its people are ignorant of the laws that rule them and the foundation upon which this nation stands. When Americans have strong civic literacy and participate in public life, America becomes a stronger nation.

It doesn’t matter how you vote; the important thing is that you do, in every election.

Guest writer Katherine Huit is a historian self-employed with Willoheart Enterprises, which preserves family stories and treasures, and provides research and editing services. A lifelong Yamhill County resident, she enjoys writing, photography and bird watching.