Annenberg survey reveals gaps in American constitutional knowledge

The annual Constitution Day Civics Survey, released by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, reveals significant gaps in constitutional knowledge among American adults. The survey found that 35% of respondents were unable to name all three branches of the federal government, though 65% correctly identified the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Knowledge regarding the First Amendment was notably lower. While 73% of adults could name freedom of speech, only 43% identified freedom of religion. Other protections, such as freedom of assembly (31%), freedom of the press (29%), and the right to petition the government (12%), were even less recognized. Only 9% of those surveyed could name all five rights guaranteed by the amendment. Additionally, 25% of respondents incorrectly attributed the right to bear arms to the First Amendment rather than the Second.

Despite these gaps, the survey noted areas of functional understanding. Approximately 83% of respondents knew that Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote, and 69% understood that a Supreme Court ruling carries the force of law.