How would you rate your knowledge of civics?
Alarmed by data showing only about a third of Americans can name the three branches of U.S. government, a group of concerned Missourians has launched the Missouri Civics Education Initiative.
The group is promoting a state law to require Missouri high school students to pass the 100-question test administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immigrants as part of the naturalization process.
To test your civics acumen, here are five questions from the test:
- What is the supreme law of the land?
- What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- How many justices are on the U.S. Supreme Court?
- What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens?
- Who did the U.S. fight in World War II?
The USCIS reports 92 percent of immigrants who take the test pass on their first try. In contrast, fewer than 4 percent of high school students in the states of Oklahoma and Arizona passed the test.
According to a news release from the Missouri Civics Education Initiative, the state legislation would allow students to take the test at any time - and as many time as needed to pass - during their high school careers. At least 60 percent of correct answers is required to pass.
The group adds: "By using the well-established USCIS test, there will be no need or expense to create a new test or study materials, as these materials are already available online and for free."
We have reservations about adding another standardized test to an overburdened curriculum, but the value of a fundamental understanding of civics cannot be overstated.
As former Gov. Bob Holden, an initiative proponent, said: "When citizens don't understand how our government works, they're not likely to vote or take part in policy decisions facing our state and nation ..."
We believe a civics class - or civics instruction incorporated in other curriculum - ought to be part of a basic education.
A state law isn't necessary to reach that conclusion.
Answers:
- The Constitution.
- Checks and balances or separation of powers.
- Nine.
- Serve on a jury or vote in a federal election.
- Japan, Germany and Italy.