Empowering the Next Generation: The Case for High School Students Carrying a Pocket Constitution
What if I told you that the First Amendment doesn’t just protect your right to speak your mind, but also challenge those rights? Maybe you want to protest something you believe in without getting punished, or say something against your school or government. Guess what? The Constitution has your back.
In today’s hyper-polarized political climate, understanding the foundational principles of our democracy has never been more crucial. The Constitution serves as the foundation of our laws and rights, and is always being referenced, interpreted and sometimes even misinterpreted in ways that directly impact our lives. From debates over what free speech really is to discussion concerning police power or religious freedoms, constitutional knowledge isn’t just for political insiders and legal experts—it’s crucial for every citizen, as it outlines our rights.
The State of Civic Knowledge Among Young Adults
Recent studies highlight a troubling lack of awareness regarding constitutional rights among U.S. adults, including the younger demographic. The Annenberg Public Policy Center’s 2024 Constitution Day Civics Survey revealed that while 74% of respondents could name freedom of speech as a First Amendment right, few could identify other fundamental freedoms, and knowledge about the other four fundamental First Amendment rights is as follows:
Freedom of Religion: 39%
Freedom of the Press: 29%
Right to Assembly: 27%
Right to Petition the Government: 11%
https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/political-communication/civics-knowledge-survey/
Only 7% of respondents could name all five First Amendment Rights, and 20% couldn’t identify any. This knowledge gap is not just a statistic, but carries deeper impacts on society. Without a clear understanding of their rights, young adults may struggle to advocate for themselves or participate fully in civic life.
The Role of a Pocket Constitution in Civic Education
Introducing high school students to the U.S. Constitution through accessible means, such as a pocket-sized version, can serve as encouragement for participation in civic duties. Students having access to their own pocket constitution encourages them to reflect on its contents daily, and it’s a constant reminder of their rights, as well as helping them make more informed decisions and empowering students’ participation in a world full of misinformation and political division.
