Teaching the Constitution
by TChris
Although some disagree, many people, including the Secretary of Education, emphasize the importance of teaching science and math so that the United States can continue to compete in technology-driven markets. Just as important to the functioning of a constitutional democracy, however, is an understanding of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Judging by the nation's vast ignorance in that regard, schools need to do better.
What are the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment? Most people just don't know. Here's a clue: driving a car (which wasn't a popular activity when the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution) and owning a pet are not among them.
Half of 1,000 Americans randomly surveyed by the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum could name at least two of the five members of Fox Television's Simpson family, the stars of the network's long-running show.
But just 28 percent of respondents could name more than one of the five freedoms listed in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment -- about the same proportion that could name all five Simpson family members or could recall the three judges on Fox TV's top-rated "American Idol." Just 8 percent could recall three First Amendment freedoms.
Granted, the right to petition for redress of grievances is a mouthful, but it's a bit shocking to think that most people can't recall that they live in a country that guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly -- or even two of those rights. Perhaps that's why so many are so complacent about our fundamental rights: they've never learned what they mean, or why they're at least as important as The Simpsons.
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