A stunning 24% of American adults cannot name even one of the five rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, according to a new survey that paints a troubling picture of civic ignorance just weeks before voters head to the polls for midterm elections.
The annual Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, found that only 9% of respondents could correctly identify all five protections enshrined in the First Amendment: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and the right to petition the government.
The survey, conducted August 6-9 among 1,034 U.S. adults, also revealed that roughly 35% of Americans still cannot name all three branches of government. Only 65% correctly identified the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, a figure statistically unchanged from recent years.
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Freedom of speech remained the most recognized First Amendment protection, though even that showed signs of slipping. Only 73% of Americans identified it, down from 79% in 2025. Freedom of religion came in second at just 43%, followed by freedom of assembly at 31%, freedom of the press at 29%, and the right to petition the government at a mere 12%.
Perhaps more concerning, a full quarter of respondents confused their constitutional amendments entirely. Some 25% incorrectly identified the right to bear arms as a First Amendment protection when it’s actually guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
The survey did find some bright spots. Most Americans understand the basic mechanics of how their government operates. Some 83% know that Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Another 69% correctly understand that a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling carries the full force of law and must be followed.
The results arrive at a critical moment. With midterm elections less than seven weeks away, millions of Americans will cast ballots to elect representatives to those three branches of government that so many cannot name. They’ll exercise rights that many don’t know they possess.
This article originally appeared on American Faith, and is reposted with permission.
