When it comes to civics knowledge, many Americans wouldn’t make a passing grade. A recent survey found that only 40% of U.S. adults could name all three branches of the federal government; more than a fifth couldn’t name any.
The survey, conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, links its findings directly back to the classroom. Those who received civics education in high school were more likely to answer correctly on fundamental questions about the U.S. Constitution and were also inclined to keep up with the news.
A group of educators, journalists, and nonprofit leaders gathered Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C., to discuss civics education at what many believe is a moment of crisis for democratic values and institutions. The event, “Civics and the Future of Democracy,” was co-sponsored by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University and The Atlantic and took place in the Newseum building.
Event photography by Kristoffer Tripplaar