 |
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| In spring 2008, a random sample of Americans took a straightforward test designed to assess each respondent’s “knowledge of America’s founding principles and texts, core history, and enduring institutions”—ISI’s definition of civic literacy. As detailed below, over 70% of Americans failed this basic test of the kind of knowledge required for informed and responsible citizenship. | ||
| Grade | Number Surveyed | Percent Surveyed |
|---|---|---|
 (90 to 100%) |
21 | 0.8% |
 (80 to 89.9%) |
66 | 2.6 |
 (70 to 79.9%) |
185 | 7.4 |
 (60 to 69.9%) |
445 | 17.8 |
 (59.9% and below) |
1,791 | 71.4 |
| Total | 2,508 | 100.0 |
