Connection Between Our Culture and the News Media

Full Answer Section

There is some evidence to suggest that the framers' concerns were justified. A 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 32% of Americans could name all three branches of government. The same survey found that only 43% of Americans could say that the Supreme Court has the power to strike down laws that it believes are unconstitutional.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that the framers' concerns may be overstated. A 2019 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that Americans are more engaged in politics than they have been in decades. The study found that 60% of Americans say they are interested in what is going on in government, and that 53% say they are paying attention to the news about government and politics.

So, do we agree with the framers' assessment? Are we uninformed? Do we wait till a crisis happens to voice our opinions? The answer is not simple. There is evidence to suggest that both the framers and the critics of the framers are correct.

On the one hand, it is clear that many Americans are not as well-informed about government as they should be. This is a problem, because an informed citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy. On the other hand, it is also clear that Americans are more engaged in politics than they have been in decades. This is a good thing, because it means that people are paying attention to what is going on in government and are willing to participate in the political process.

The challenge is to find ways to increase civic engagement and to improve the level of public understanding of government. This is not an easy task, but it is essential if we want to ensure that our democracy remains strong and vibrant.

Here are some things that we can do to increase civic engagement and improve the level of public understanding of government:

• Make civics education a priority in our schools.
• Provide more opportunities for people to learn about government and politics outside of school.
• Encourage people to get involved in their communities and to make their voices heard.
• Hold our elected officials accountable for their actions.

By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that all Americans have the knowledge and skills they need to participate in our democracy.

Sample Answer

The framers of the Constitution were indeed concerned that everyday citizens would not be able to understand or comprehend the makings of our government. They felt that everyday citizens were uninformed and did not care what was going on in our government.

There are a few reasons for this concern. First, the Constitution is a complex document that is not easy to understand. It is full of legal jargon and technical terms that can be difficult for the average person to grasp. Second, the government itself is a complex system with many moving parts. It can be difficult for people to keep track of what is happening, especially when there are so many different issues to consider.