A recent statewide survey from the University of Tennessee’s Institute of American Civics suggests there's a critical need to improve civics education in Tennessee.¶
According to the survey study, which examined over 1,000 respondents’ civic knowledge and participation, only about half of respondents knew that Tennessee has a state constitution. Fewer than half of respondents said they know who their state legislators are, and only around one-third said they knew much about local government, such as who their county commissioner is.¶
In addition, the report said, nearly half of all respondents said they were somewhat or extremely worried about their reputation being harmed by a political opinion they post on social media or say at work, with a third saying they were less likely to discuss politics with friends and family than 10 years ago. The report noted that it is “crucial” for Tennesseans to develop a higher level of civic knowledge, adding “strong efforts will need to be made at the K-12 level, in universities and in the general public across the state.”¶
“We’ve got to do a better job in classrooms, workplaces and the media at informing our citizens. This survey illustrates there’s a deficit to overcome,” Josh Dunn, executive director of the IAC, said in a statement. “Our federal constitutional system depends on informed participation at all levels. Self-government requires more. It requires citizens educated in and committed to constitutional government.”¶
According to Dunn, the survey was developed to establish a baseline for civic knowledge among Tennesseans and to measure their willingness to engage in political activity and discuss politics with friends and co-workers. An announcement about the report said this is the first time the survey has been conducted.¶
The survey also polled Tennesseans on the meaning of civility and how much attention they pay to politics. It said that while less than half of the respondents said they pay a lot of attention to politics, most said they want to make things better as opposed to avoiding discussing tough issues. Dunn said the institute will use the results to shape programming priorities for public events and educational initiatives, particularly efforts aimed at reaching K-12 students and Tennesseans more broadly.¶
“The Institute of American Civics was created to strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in Tennessee,” said Dunn. “To reach these goals, we must understand where the climb begins. These results illustrate exactly why the IAC is needed and where our efforts should be directed.”¶
