Americans Show Strong Patriotism But Lack Civic Knowledge, Poll Finds

On July 3, 2025, visitors flocked to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, reflecting on Independence Day’s significance. Yet, beneath this outward patriotism lies a concerning paradox highlighted by a new national poll. Conducted by the libertarian Cato Institute, the poll surveyed over 2,000 U.S. adults in late June, revealing widespread national pride paired with a significant gap in civic understanding.

The data shows 86% of respondents feel grateful to be American and 70% believe in the lasting relevance of the nation’s founding principles. However, nearly half of the participants (46%) did not know that the 250th anniversary marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Almost 60% were unaware that the U.S. Constitution’s primary role is to limit government power or why the colonies declared independence from Great Britain.

This lack of civic knowledge raises concerns about the future of American liberty. Many surveyed believe the country is veering away from its founding ideals, with over half fearing a loss of freedom within the next 50 years due to corruption and power abuse. These fears are shared across the political spectrum, with majorities in both Republican and Democratic camps expressing anxiety.

Among Generation Z, this concern is even more pronounced. They show the lowest levels of civic knowledge and hold less favorable views of the nation’s founders. The majority of Gen Z participants could not attribute the 250th anniversary to the Declaration of Independence.

Jack Rakove, Coe Professor of History and American Studies and Professor of Political Science Emeritus at Stanford University, described the situation as a “great disaster.” Rakove, who has received a Pulitzer Prize for his work on the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, attributes the issue to a fragmented media landscape and educational priorities that favor STEM over civics and history.

“Our educational system is highly decentralized,” Rakove noted, which makes comprehensive reform challenging. He also pointed out the role of the current information landscape, where people choose news sources that reinforce their existing views. According to Rakove, “If a democratic society depends upon a well-rounded deliberation, the present information environment does not support the foundation of democratic debate.”