A new report reveals a troubling trend in American education – a significant knowledge gap among college students regarding the nation’s history and government. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) released “Losing America’s Memory 2.0,” a survey of over 3,000 undergraduate students, highlighting a concerning lack of basic civic literacy.
A mere 31% of students could identify James Madison as the “Father of the Constitution.” Perhaps even more alarming, a staggering 60% were unaware of the term lengths for members of Congress. These are foundational elements of the American government, and their absence in the knowledge base of future generations raises serious concerns for the health of our democracy.
Only a fraction of students correctly identified key figures like Kamala Harris, John Roberts, and Mike Johnson in their respective leadership roles within the government. Furthermore, historical knowledge is equally deficient. Less than a quarter could pinpoint the Gettysburg Address as the source of the iconic phrase “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
These findings come on the heels of two recent presidential impeachment trials, yet only 32% were aware that such proceedings occur in the Senate. This historical amnesia creates a population ill-equipped to understand the nuances of our political system and actively participate in its functions.
“Students today are sadly unprepared for participation in our democratic republic,” stated ACTA Vice President Bradley Jackson in an official statement. He emphasizes the critical role of informed citizens in maintaining a healthy democracy.
ACTA President Michael Poliakoff said the consequences of this knowledge gap. He warns that college graduates with limited understanding of American history and core values lack the tools to navigate the complexities of modern society. They are unable to defend democratic institutions or engage in meaningful discourse on critical issues.
ACTA advocates for mandatory courses on U.S. history and government for all college students. Their resources, including previous surveys and the “What Will They Learn?” college ratings tool, offer valuable insights and practical steps towards a more civically literate future.
