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    • The Annenberg Survey reveals an alarming lack of civic knowledge
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    The Annenberg Survey reveals an alarming lack of civic knowledge

    Online Niel Posted on

    Ever since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee, her role as a member of the Biden administration has been called into question.

    Former President Donald Trump Said “Why Didn’t He?” alluding to her policies as part of her closing statement from presidential debate on September 10.

    The question sparked a conversation on social media about civics and how many Americans are misinformed about the duties of the vice president of the United States — which may be true.

    According to the annual Annenberg Constitution Day Civic Pollless than half of Americans can name most of the rights protected by the First Amendments, and only two-thirds of Americans can name all three branches of government.

    And that’s not all.

    The survey also noted that just over half of US adults know which party controls the Senate and which controls the House of Representatives.

    The Annenberg Center for Public Policy’s annual survey focuses on the public’s understanding of the United States Constitution. The survey began in 2014 and consists of 1,600 US adult respondents.

    “Civic literacy matters,” says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Center for Public Policy. “Those who do not understand the rights protected by the Constitution can neither value nor invoke them; those who do not know which party controls the House and Senate may misattribute credit or blame for action or inaction.”

    Key findings include:

    • 65% of Americans can name all three branches of government
    • 13% of Americans can name two branches of government
    • 8% of Americans can name just one branch of government
    • 15% of Americans don’t know the three branches of government unchanged from last year

    What are the 3 branches of government?

    The three branches of the US government are designed to maintain balance and order. Each branch has its own responsibilities.

    Legislative power: The basic function of the legislature is to make the laws of our nation. The legislative branch consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, also known as Congress.

    Executive branch: The basic function of the executive branch is to enforce the laws of the nation. This branch consists of the President, his advisers and various departments and agencies.

    Judicial Power: The basic function of the judiciary is to interpret the laws of the nation. The branch consists of the Supreme Court of the United States.

    Party control over Congress

    The 2024 presidential election will decide who will have the majority to control the chambers. Here’s what the survey highlighted:

    • 55% know Democrats control the Senate, 22% answered incorrectly and another 22% are unsure
    • 56% know Republicans control the House of Representatives, 20% answered incorrectly and 22% are unsure

    What is the role of the Vice President of the United States?

    The vice president holds the second highest office in the executive branch of government. The Vice President acts and serves as a key presidential advisor, governing partner, and representative of the President.

    The Vice President holds an office in the legislative branch as President of the Senate and presides over the United States Senate and acts as the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. The role may vary in each administration.

    Online Niel
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