ABA Poll on roles within the Federal Govt

[Themosticles]

It's a sad sad day indeed
(link requires Acrobat)

Executive Summary

The majority of Americans could use a civics refresher course.


Just over half (55%) of Americans can correctly identify the three branches of government.
− More than one in five (22%) believe the three branches of government are the Republican, Democrat, and Independent branches.
− A full 16% of respondents believe the three branches of government to be local, state, and federal.


Less than half (48%) of Americans can correctly identify the meaning of the concept of separation of powers.
− However, almost two-thirds (63%) report being very or somewhat familiar with the separation of powers principle.
− 82% feel that the separation of powers is important, while only 5% report that it is not important or they do not know what it means.


Nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) can correctly identify the principle of checks and balances.
− Just about that same percent (68%) report being somewhat or very familiar with the concept of
checks and balances.
− About four in five (82%) believe checks and balances are important, while only 3% believe they are not important or are not sure what they are.


Almost half (48%) of respondents correctly identified the role of the judiciary in the federal government.
− Nearly three in ten (29%) reported they believe the judiciary advises the President and Congress about the legality of an action they intend to take in the future.


ugh...what the hell is being taught in 7th and 8th grade social studies? This is embarrassing, even more so when you look at the provided answers for each question. A vague recollection would lead you to the right answer, assuming of course it was actually taught. It's even worse when you realize that this is the voting public and they have no idea what the hell is going on.

[Eziekial]

It's all part of the master plan.