American students’ lack of basic civics knowledge alarms education advocates
Education advocates are sounding the alarm on the need for stronger national civics standards as new data reveals significant gaps in students’ understanding of American government. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) conducts a civics test every four years for students in grades 4, 8, and 12. The most recent results, released in 2022, showed that only 22% of eighth graders were proficient in civics, with 31% scoring below basic. This marked a decline from the 2018 assessment, where 27% scored below basic and 23% were proficient.
Beyond K-12 education, similar gaps were found among college students and registered voters. A survey by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) in 2024 revealed that 60% of undergraduate students did not know the term lengths of members of Congress. Additionally, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation survey found that 70% of registered voters failed a basic civics literacy quiz, highlighting a lack of knowledge on topics like the three branches of government and the number of Supreme Court justices.
As the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) prepares to update the Civics Assessment Framework, Defending Education is advocating for changes that prioritize students’ knowledge of the Constitution, the structure of government, and core founding principles of the U.S. government. The organization is calling for a focus on specific constitutional mandates related to foreign affairs in the assessment.
One of the key challenges identified is the varying approaches to civics education across different states, leading to a lack of accountability. Some states do not require a civics course or test for high school graduation, while only a few mandate a full-year civics course and passing a standard civics test.
Defending Education has submitted comments to the NAGB urging the rejection of consultants and reviewers from organizations that support identity politics and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The organization also raised concerns about the politicization of classrooms, noting that activism in education has overshadowed the teaching of basic civics knowledge.
In response to this trend, Defending Education has recommended the removal of questions on “action civics” from the NAEP framework, arguing that civic participation without a solid understanding of American political institutions could lead to misguided activism. The organization cited examples like anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) walkouts as problematic outcomes of this approach.
Concerns about the lack of critical thinking skills among voters were also raised, with a warning that a failure to address deficiencies in civics education could jeopardize the very core institutions of the republic. Critical thinking skills are essential for citizens to make informed decisions and uphold democratic principles.
As efforts continue to strengthen civics education and ensure that students are well-informed citizens, the need for a comprehensive and rigorous assessment framework remains crucial. By prioritizing foundational knowledge of American government and constitutional rights, educators and policymakers can help shape a more civically literate and engaged population for the future.
