Pew Research: How Much Do Americans Know about Their Government?

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center provides valuable insights into the diverse range of topics where Americans' knowledge of their government varies. While certain aspects, such as the length of Supreme Court appointments and the determination of states' representation in the House of Representatives, are well-known to the majority, there are notable gaps in understanding when it comes to topics like the filibuster, the length of a Senate term, and the resolution of a tie in the Electoral College.

To gauge your own understanding of U.S. civic and political affairs, consider taking the short 6-question quiz provided by the Pew Research Center. Covering crucial topics like Supreme Court appointments, House representation, party control in Congress, and First Amendment rights, the quiz offers a quick assessment of your civic knowledge.

The survey reveals that three-quarters of Americans are familiar with the duration of a Supreme Court appointment, with 68% understanding how House representation is determined. Furthermore, 66% correctly identify the party with a majority in the House, and 63% recognize which party controls the Senate. However, only 57% can identify one of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, and just half know which part of the government requires a 60% majority vote to end a filibuster. Additionally, fewer than half of Americans are aware of the full term of office for a U.S. senator (44%) or the process for choosing the president in the event of an Electoral College tie (40%).

Interestingly, equal percentages of Republicans and Democrats correctly answer key questions, demonstrating a shared understanding of topics such as Senate control, First Amendment rights, and the filibuster. The minimal differences, within a 3 percentage point range, highlight a bipartisan consistency in civic knowledge.

The survey indicates that older Americans tend to outperform younger adults in civic knowledge. For instance, 88% of adults aged 65 and older accurately know the length of a Supreme Court appointment, compared to 62% of those aged 18 to 29. However, older adults exhibit somewhat lower accuracy in responding to questions about First Amendment rights and the Electoral College tiebreaker.

Conclusion: The survey underscores the varying levels of Americans' civic knowledge across different topics and age groups. While some subjects enjoy widespread understanding, others reveal a need for increased awareness. Being informed about the government, staying updated on current events, and understanding political issues are crucial for citizens to actively engage in the democratic process.

To test your own knowledge of U.S. civic and political affairs, take the Pew Research Center’s short 6-question quiz.