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?