What you probably knew already

one in three native-born Americans could not pass the citizenship test

A new national survey from Xavier University's Center for the Study of the American Dream finds that one in three native-born citizens failed the civics portion of the naturalization test, in contrast to the 97.5% pass rate among immigrants applying for citizenship.

The survey tested adult Americans on 10 random questions taken directly from the naturalization test. In a concurrent survey, the Center found that 77% of native-born citizens agreed that all Americans should be able to pass the test. Furthermore, 60% agreed that high school students should have to pass the naturalization test as a requirement for graduation.

59% of survey respondents could not name one power of the federal government, 77% could not name one power of the states, and 62% could not name the Governor of their state.

The highest incorrect scores concerned the US Constitution, the legal and political structure of the American republic, basic facts related to current political life, and identification of key political decision-makers.

For example, when asked questions about our government and political leaders, the survey results found:

85% did not know the meaning of the "the rule of law."

82% could not name "two rights stated in the Declaration of Independence."

75% were not able to correctly answer "What does the judiciary branch do?"

Full story is at:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/one-in-three-americans-fail-immigrant-naturalization-civics-test-2012-04-27