Knowing It By Heart: Table of Contents

A national survey of public attitudes on the Constitution, conducted by Public Agenda for the National Constitution Center and funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

FINDING ONE: A Measured Pride Americans believe that the United States is one of the most democratic nations on earth, and their faith in the country and its founding principles is solid. But many also readily concede the country's imperfections and mistakes. Most people believe that the Constitution's promise of individual rights and freedoms is intended for all, but at the same time they acknowledge it is not so easy for all people to take advantage of it.		FINDING TWO: It Goes Without Saying Most Americans understand more about the Constitution than many give them credit for. While they have a hazy recall of the specifics, the vast majority have absorbed the basic principles of the Constitution and convey broad acceptance of them. Most say that rights come with limits and responsibilities, and they voice a respect and understanding for the legal process. While majorities admit not knowing the basics of the Constitution, most Americans say it is "absolutely essential" for Americans to have a thorough knowledge of it.
FINDING THREE: The Balancing Act Despite admitting their limited knowledge of the Constitution, Americans display a meaningful ability to think carefully about scenarios and situations that bring an individual's rights and freedoms to the forefront. Most are able to set aside their own views on controversial issues such as abortion or the homeless in order to think about them in terms of the rights of others. The majority of Americans believe our society has struck the right balance on many issues.		FINDING FOUR: Protecting Our Rights in Perilous Times After September 11, Americans want the government to take strong measures to prevent more attacks, but the vast majority also seems to recoil at cavalier infringement of people's rights. Most are uncomfortable with blatant forms of profiling, and many voice some concern that government actions could threaten privacy. Still, the public appears ready to live with increased surveillance in some circumstances, and they are loath to provide much protection to anyone in the country illegally.
FINDING FIVE: Other Threats to Freedom Americans recognize the dangers a too powerful government could pose to their rights, but they see other dangers as well—most notably from the private sector and from complacency among the public itself. On the issue of privacy, for example, people see the greatest threats coming from banks and credit card companies—not from government or law enforcement. What's more, many worry that the country's traditions of freedom could be weakened by apathy and lack of patriotism, especially among the young.		FINDING SIX: The Responsibilities of Citizenship Americans strongly believe that rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. People say failing to vote or show up for jury duty are serious examples of neglecting civic duty. Although young people in America are less likely to vote—and more likely to accept excuses for not voting—they show more concern about issues of due process. Schools get mixed reviews for their approach to teaching the Constitution; senior citizens seem to have had a more interesting learning experience as schoolchildren than their younger counterparts.