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From left, Ken McDonald as Thomas Jefferson, Ron Rockwell as Benjamin Franklin and Michael Stiles as John Adams sing in this image from the Apollo Civic Theatre's 2001 production of the musical "1776." Jefferson, Franklin and Adams are listed in the answer to question No. 1 in our informal American history poll. (File photo / July 1, 2011) |
No one was able to correctly name five signers of the Declaration of independence, and no one knew that the United States government is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. No one answered all of the questions correctly, but they are not alone.
In 2008, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute found that 71 percent of Americans from varied educational backgrounds failed an American history and institutes test.
Ridenour encouraged citizens to know their history and stay abreast of current events in the government.
“My favorite (Thomas) Jefferson quote is, ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,’” said Ridenour, who taught American History for 30 years.
He explained that Jefferson was not necessarily referring to foreign threats to American liberty, but also to internal threats.
“(Jefferson) was saying you have to be vigilant in all areas of society,” he said, “That quote is as good a reason as any to pay attention to what’s going on.”
In our informal poll on American civics and history, participants were asked the following questions:
1. Can you name five of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence?
2. What is the Bill of Rights? Can you name one of the first 10 amendments?
3. The Constitution was drafted to replace what document?
4. Name the branches of the federal government?
5. What form of government did the Constitution establish?
6. Can you name your state delegate? State senator?
Answers:
1. Find the entire list of 56 signers at www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
2. For a list of the Bill of Rights, go to http://topics.law.cornell.edu/constitution/billofrights
3. The Articles of Confederation
4. Executive, Legislative, Judicial
5. A constitutional republic
6. Readers can find their legislators here:
• For Maryland, go to www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hse.html
• For Pennsylavania, go to www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/representatives_alpha.cfm?papowerPNavCtr=
• For West Virginia, go to www.legis.state.wv.us/districts/maps/hse_dist.cfm
In 2008, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute found that 71 percent of Americans from varied educational backgrounds failed an American history and institutes test.
Ridenour encouraged citizens to know their history and stay abreast of current events in the government.
“My favorite (Thomas) Jefferson quote is, ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,’” said Ridenour, who taught American History for 30 years.
He explained that Jefferson was not necessarily referring to foreign threats to American liberty, but also to internal threats.
“(Jefferson) was saying you have to be vigilant in all areas of society,” he said, “That quote is as good a reason as any to pay attention to what’s going on.”
In our informal poll on American civics and history, participants were asked the following questions:
1. Can you name five of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence?
2. What is the Bill of Rights? Can you name one of the first 10 amendments?
3. The Constitution was drafted to replace what document?
4. Name the branches of the federal government?
5. What form of government did the Constitution establish?
6. Can you name your state delegate? State senator?
Answers:
1. Find the entire list of 56 signers at www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
2. For a list of the Bill of Rights, go to http://topics.law.cornell.edu/constitution/billofrights
3. The Articles of Confederation
4. Executive, Legislative, Judicial
5. A constitutional republic
6. Readers can find their legislators here:
• For Maryland, go to www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hse.html
• For Pennsylavania, go to www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/representatives_alpha.cfm?papowerPNavCtr=
• For West Virginia, go to www.legis.state.wv.us/districts/maps/hse_dist.cfm
