How much do you think that American know about their government?

Question

in term of their elected officials, the government, and what is going on politically in this country?

Yeah I know, some people will answer will insult.

Answer 1

I dont think it really matters how much people know about how government works. While I would agree that an informed electorate is not a bad thing, some people just do not want to know. I do think everyone should vote no matter what. It doesn't matter to me if you vote for someone because you like the shirt they were wearing that day, at least you made the effort. It distresses me when people say they don't vote because their vote doesn't count. This by definition becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, because if you don't vote, then your vote truly doesn't count. Whether you choose to believe it or not the people in America still have the power. If you can get enough people united in a single cause you can move mountains.

Answer 2

I used to be interested in government and politics when I was an innocent. Now that I realize the corruption and disgusting practices and over-abuse of power, I no longer care what they do in government, because no matter how I vote, my vote doesn't count. I used to vote in local, and federal elections, and I felt like I "lost" and I've gotten sick of the disappointment and the feeling like my votes don't count because I don't have the money or prestige to buy over the majority. Sadly, we rebelled against Great Britain for less than what we experience today. I think we may have fared better had we not broken away from Britain's rule.

Answer 3

The average American probably doesn't know a lot about the government and how it works. That might explain why younger people have more liberal views that move to the right when they get older. People are getting to be more informed now. I know some college age people with conservative views.Hopefully this will be the death of the Democratic Party.

Answer 4

I think probably about 60% of Americans just skim the surface about how our government is run; Perhaps in local state/town government, that percentage maybe lower...maybe around 45%. But nationally, only about 30% really are aware; the other 10% is totally unaware for whatever reason.

Answer 5

Not as many as you'd wish knew. Here's a test. Don't post it here because the availabilty for looking it up is prsent but go out in the street and ask people what are the three branches of the government.

Bet you'll get maybe 1 out of 5 to answer correctly.

One of my replies I received was "Democrats, Republicans and Independants".

Amazing huh?

Answer 6

I'd say half or more have no clue what goes on. They are oblivious. The other half of us have some idea of what's happening. And finally, and this is a wishful estimate... about 1/3 know what's going in the government and our role in the world.

Answer 7

I think most people don't have a damn clue what is really going on. It's cool right now to hate Bush, so everyone has to jump on the bandwagon. That's how people are. They don't pay attention to anything, and then act like they are ****** experts. Sometimes I want to go on killing sprees, but I'm not psycho so i probably won't.

Answer 8

Americans don't know much about any of the above.
That's why everyone is in such turmoil about everything.
If more people would just learn more about the candidates that run for any given office, and actually go VOTE because of what they believe in, we would be in much better shape.
( And by the way......ignorance is neither blessed OR bliss. It's just what it implies. ) See what I mean ???

Answer 9

The vast majority know not enough. If they did, we'd be in a much better position in the world today. *shrugs*

Answer 10

I am one of the Americans that prove the theory: ignorance is blessed!@