Staff Reports
A recent survey conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) has shed light on the shocking lack of basic U.S. history knowledge among college students. The survey, titled “Losing America’s Memory,” surveyed over 3,000 undergraduates and uncovered significant gaps in their understanding of fundamental civic concepts.
According to the findings from College Pulse’s survey in May to June 2024, a mere 31% of students were able to correctly identify James Madison as the Father of the Constitution. Even more alarming, only 27% of participants recognized Kamala Harris as the president of the U.S. Senate. Additionally, a staggering 60% of students were clueless about the term lengths for U.S. Congress members.
The ignorance doesn’t stop there. Shockingly, only 23% of respondents knew that the famous phrase “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” originated from the Gettysburg Address. Furthermore, a disappointing 28% could accurately pinpoint the 13th Amendment as the legislation responsible for abolishing slavery.
Survey Reveals US College Students Lack Basic Knowledge, Struggle To Identify ‘Father Of The Constitution’ https://t.co/N7tr666vpr
— Sharon (@SweetFreedom29) July 17, 2024
ACTA’s Vice President of Policy, Bradley Jackson, expressed deep concerns over these findings, emphasizing the lack of preparedness of students to engage in a democratic society. He highlighted the necessity for citizens to grasp the nature and history of the American government, noting the alarming trend of graduating students without a basic understanding of American history and government.
ACTA President Michael Poliakoff shared his dismay at the survey results, emphasizing the critical importance of knowing the American past and its foundational principles. The survey’s revelations paint a concerning picture of the current state of education on college campuses, where students are ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of American history and defend the cherished institutions that define our nation.
