Findings

The Senate finds the following: (1) According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress civics and United States history assessments, the average civics score for students in grade 8 was 2 points lower compared to the average civics score in 2018, the first time the civics score dropped since the assessment was first administered in 1998. (2) According to the 2023 Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey, a nationally represented survey, 1 in 6 adults in the United States could not name any of the 3 branches of government. (3) The decline in civics education contributes to civic disengagement, evident in lower voter turnout among young people and reduced participation in community life. (4) The spread of misinformation and disinformation has further highlighted the urgent need for students to gain civic reasoning and media literacy skills. (5) The success of the Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional App Challenge demonstrates that Congress can play a unique role in elevating student talent and achievement. (6) With the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States approaching next year, the Senate has an opportunity to renew America’s commitment to civic education and democratic participation.