CFIF needs your help to change the dangerous trend of civic illiteracy. Please consider a donation today.

Question 1: (d)

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people" are words from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address during the Civil War. They are often quoted as a definition of democracy.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, a mere 23% of college seniors from elite universities and liberal arts colleges could answer this question correctly.

Question 2: (a)

One of the primary motivations for the Pilgrims and Puritans to set sail for America was to escape religious persecution from England. Freedom of religion is a right guaranteed to all Americans in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, only 41% of 4^th and 8^th grade students could answer this question correctly.

Question 3: (d)

Many of the Founding Fathers feared a strong federal government that could oppress the rights of individuals, much like they experienced under British rule. For this reason, the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 to specifically set forth basic rights retained by the people and the states.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, an astonishing 83% of 12^th grade students could not name even four freedoms protected by the First Amendment, which grants us freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of assembly and freedom to petition the government. 75% did not know that the Fifth Amendment protects private property rights.

Question 4: (d)

Ratified in 1788, the Constitution is the fundamental document governing the United States, outlining, among other things, the distinct powers of branches of government. According to the Constitution itself, it is the "supreme Law of the Land."

According to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 19 percent of teenagers could not identify the three branches of government.

Question 5: (b)

The first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were added to ensure fundamental rights of the people and the states against a strong central government.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, 65% of 12^th grade students could not identify the purpose of the Bill of Rights.

Question 6: (d)

James Madison played an integral role in the writing and ratification of the Constitution, both as a chief architect of the document at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and later through his writing, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, of the Federalist Papers. Madison protested the informal title of "Father of the Constitution," as he stated, the document was not "the off-spring of a single brain," but "the work of many heads and many hands."

According to a survey commissioned by the American Counsel of Trustees and Alumni, less than 25% of college seniors could identify James Madison as the "Father of the Constitution."

Question 7: (c)

The Constitution grants lawmaking power primarily to the U.S. Congress. Only after both houses of Congress approve legislation does the President sign them into law.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, 57% of 4^th grade students could not identify the role of the President in the lawmaking process.

Question 8: (b)

The federal government is divided by the U.S. Constitution into three distinct branches of government, the Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Founders created such a separation of powers to ensure proper checks and balances so that no one branch of government would become too powerful.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, only 24% of 4^th grade students could identify the three branches of government. According to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, only 19% of teenagers could do the same.

Question 9: (c)

In addition to living within the United States for at least 14 years prior to running for President, a person must also be at least 35 years of age and a natural born citizen of the United States.

This question appears on the Citizenship test for immigrants.

Question 10: (d)

There are currently 535 members of Congress, 435 of which preside as representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and 100 Senators in the U.S. Senate, two from each state. There are also five delegates to the House of Representatives representing 4 territories and the District of Columbia. These delegates do not have voting power, but do serve on committees.

This question appears on the Citizenship test for immigrants.

Question 11: (b)

Americans declared independence from England, as they opposed the oppressive control of the British crown. Specifically colonists objected to "taxation without representation," and England’s refusal to allow self government in the new world.

According to the National Constitution Center’s survey of high school students, 14% think we declared our independence from France. More than 20% did not know that we declared our independence from England.

Question 12: (c)

In 1791, the Bill of Rights, or first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, was ratified. Since then, 17 additional amendments have been added for a total of 27, including the 18th Amendment, which instituted Prohibition, and the 21st Amendment, which repealed (or undid) the 18th.

The latest amendment was ratified in 1992 ensuring that members of Congress cannot change their salaries until an election has intervened.

Question 13: (c)

The stripes on the American Flag represent the original 13 colonies, which became the first 13 states in the United States: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Assessment of Education, a mere 32 % of 4^th and 8^th grade students could identify one of the 13 colonies that fought the American Revolution.

• Return to Quiz

.

.