WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- A report by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni found that some college graduates believe television judge, Judge Judy, serves as a Supreme Court Justice.
The report, A Crisis in Civic Education, looked into the effectiveness of civic education in United States universities. The study found that 10 percent of college graduates believed Judge Judy served on the Supreme court and 40 percent didn't know that congress had the power to declare war.
The report sought to prove that funding for educational programs that place a greater focus on civic projects and activities have been detrimental to overall civic literacy.
"Our country depends upon an educated populace; and while civic activity and service learning are important, they simply cannot substitute for substantive learning about our history and government," ACTA President Anne D. Neal said.
The study also found that one third of participants could not name a single right provided within the First Amendment.
In order to rectify the perceived lack of civil literacy, the report suggests that universities require graduates to complete courses that place a greater focus on familiarizing students with the nation's founding documents.
"It's time that colleges and universities replace their anything goes approach to the curriculum with specific subject-matter requirements that will empower America's next generation of leaders," Neal said.
