THE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA--

In a recent study it was sought to be determined, “Do Americans possess the knowledge necessary to participate wisely in the affairs of the nation?”

A whopping seventy one percent of all Americans, college-educated and otherwise, failed the test.

Fewer than half of the participants could name the three branches of government, “...a minimal requirement for understanding America’s constitutional system” according to experts.

In another finding it was determined “College adds little to civic knowledge.” People with bachelor’s degrees failed the test with an average score of 57%, only13 percentage points above the scores of folks with a high school diploma.

Further, elected officials were found to score lower than the general public. Their average score—44%.

30% of these officials did not know “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are the inalienable rights referred to in the Declaration of Independence.

The overall average score was 49%. Included in that were Republicans at 52% and Democrats at 45%.

I’m tempted to chuckle at that final, depressing tidbit until the obvious dawning that both party results are incredibly far below the 70% threshold for success in most of life’s tests.

Click here for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute report, where you can * gulp * take the sample test yourself.