American Civics Knowledge Shows Significant Improvement in 2025 Annenberg Survey
The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center from the University of Pennsylvania, has provided some encouraging news regarding Americans' understanding of civics. In a year when civics education has become increasingly critical, the survey indicates significant improvements in citizens' knowledge of the three branches of government and First Amendment rights.
According to the survey results released ahead of Constitution Day on September 17, over 70% of adults in the U.S. can correctly identify all three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This is an increase from 65% in the previous year. Additionally, awareness of First Amendment rights has similarly improved, with 79% of respondents now able to identify 'freedom of speech' as one of these rights, marking an increase from 74% in 2024.
APPC director Kathleen Hall Jamieson emphasized the importance of understanding one's constitutional rights, stating, "People can't cherish, safeguard, or exercise their constitutionally protected rights unless they know that they have them and understand how effective use of them sustains our system of government." This highlights how vital civics education is both at home and within schools, urging that it should become a priority.
While knowledge of civics may have improved, the survey also uncovered concerning data about the public's trust in the U.S. Supreme Court. Reports indicate that nearly 60% of respondents express little to no trust in the Supreme Court working in their best interests. The findings showcase a widening divide between political parties: 75% of Republicans reported at least a moderate trust in the court, while a mere 18% of Democrats shared this sentiment.
This lag in public trust may have serious implications for the future of the judicial system. Political science professor Matt Levendusky pointed out that trust in the Supreme Court has declined significantly, with the percentage of adults expressing moderate trust dropping from 68% in 2019 to only 41% by March 2025. He notes, "If the court is just another political actor, then it loses its special place in our political system, raising concerns about the long-term consequences."
Amid declining trust, there is a notable push for reforms in the Supreme Court. The survey revealed that 83% of respondents support the prohibition of justices from participating in cases where they have personal or financial conflicts. Additionally, there is widespread backing for creating a formal ethics code (78%) and establishing mandatory retirement ages (72%) for justices.
The increased civic knowledge reflected in the 2025 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey should be celebrated, but it comes alongside a critical need for reforms within the Supreme Court. The ongoing efforts led by the Annenberg Public Policy Center to enhance civics education—such as the launch of their new resources aimed at teachers and students—will play an essential role in fostering an informed and active citizenry. With a more educated public on civic matters, including the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the workings of government, we can hope for a healthier democratic process moving forward.
Key Findings
According to the survey results released ahead of Constitution Day on September 17, over 70% of adults in the U.S. can correctly identify all three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This is an increase from 65% in the previous year. Additionally, awareness of First Amendment rights has similarly improved, with 79% of respondents now able to identify 'freedom of speech' as one of these rights, marking an increase from 74% in 2024.
APPC director Kathleen Hall Jamieson emphasized the importance of understanding one's constitutional rights, stating, "People can't cherish, safeguard, or exercise their constitutionally protected rights unless they know that they have them and understand how effective use of them sustains our system of government." This highlights how vital civics education is both at home and within schools, urging that it should become a priority.
Trust in the Supreme Court
While knowledge of civics may have improved, the survey also uncovered concerning data about the public's trust in the U.S. Supreme Court. Reports indicate that nearly 60% of respondents express little to no trust in the Supreme Court working in their best interests. The findings showcase a widening divide between political parties: 75% of Republicans reported at least a moderate trust in the court, while a mere 18% of Democrats shared this sentiment.
This lag in public trust may have serious implications for the future of the judicial system. Political science professor Matt Levendusky pointed out that trust in the Supreme Court has declined significantly, with the percentage of adults expressing moderate trust dropping from 68% in 2019 to only 41% by March 2025. He notes, "If the court is just another political actor, then it loses its special place in our political system, raising concerns about the long-term consequences."
Desire for Supreme Court Reforms
Amid declining trust, there is a notable push for reforms in the Supreme Court. The survey revealed that 83% of respondents support the prohibition of justices from participating in cases where they have personal or financial conflicts. Additionally, there is widespread backing for creating a formal ethics code (78%) and establishing mandatory retirement ages (72%) for justices.
Conclusion
The increased civic knowledge reflected in the 2025 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey should be celebrated, but it comes alongside a critical need for reforms within the Supreme Court. The ongoing efforts led by the Annenberg Public Policy Center to enhance civics education—such as the launch of their new resources aimed at teachers and students—will play an essential role in fostering an informed and active citizenry. With a more educated public on civic matters, including the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the workings of government, we can hope for a healthier democratic process moving forward.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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