Civics Crisis: Kids Step Up to Save Democracy
A new Civics Bee aims to revive American civic knowledge among young learners.
2 min read
Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘A republic, if you can keep it.’ Two centuries later, the United States faces a growing crisis in civic knowledge. A 2018 survey found that only 36% of American adults could pass the U.S. citizenship test, with even fewer under 45 understanding key historical events. By 2024, 70% of adults failed a basic civic quiz, and just one-quarter felt confident explaining the government’s structure.
The Path to Civic Ignorance
The National Assessment of Educational Progress shows a troubling trend: only 22% of eighth graders scored at or above proficient in civics in 2022. The gap persists in college, where 60% of undergraduates didn’t know the term lengths for members of Congress. This decline threatens the very foundation of American democracy, as informed citizens are essential to preserving the Constitution’s system of checks and balances.
Reviving Democracy Through Youth
To combat this crisis, the American Cornerstone Institute launched the Little Patriots Civics Bee, a national competition for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants will answer questions about the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the U.S. government, with national finals set for April in Washington, D.C. Winners will receive prizes totaling $39,000, incentivizing young Americans to learn about their nation’s history and responsibilities.
A Legacy of Democracy
When the United States declared independence 250 years ago, European elites dismissed the idea of self-governance by ordinary people. Yet, the U.S. has proven them wrong, evolving into a global model of democracy. However, this system requires active participation and understanding from every citizen. The Constitution’s federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances are not self-sustaining; they demand study and vigilance.
The Future of Civic Education
With initiatives like the Civics Bee, young Americans are being equipped to preserve the institutions of the republic. As Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Sr., founder of the American Cornerstone Institute, emphasizes, freedom is not free—it requires the habits of republican citizenship and the transmission of these values to future generations.
Source: Daily Wire
