One of the ongoing debates among scholars of public opinion is
about AmericansÂ’ level of political knowledge.
This activity uses common questions from survey research to
determine a respondentÂ’s level of political
knowledge.
Have students work together to answer each question without
looking up the answers.
Then, discuss the answers and ask students to evaluate whether
these questions effectively measure political knowledge.
If so, how much knowledge should voters have? How do we make sure
voters are informed?
If not, why not? What kinds of questions would better assess
political knowledge? Why is political knowledge important in a democracy? Why
might it be less important than we might think? [Here you might discuss
shortcuts/heuristics.]
1. What are the three branches of the United States government?
2. What rights are guaranteed by the First Amendment?
3. What party currently controls the U.S. House of
Representatives?
4. What party currently controls the U.S. Senate?
5. What is the name of the current Chief Justice of the U.S.
Supreme Court?
6. What is the name of the current Vice President of the United
States?
7. In what month does the Electoral College vote for president?
8. Which branch of government determines whether a law is
constitutional?
9. Which of todayÂ’s two major political
parties is more conservative?
10. Can Congress override a presidential veto?