Results from latest poll on U. S. civics knowledge

The 2020 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey shows a marked jump in the number of American adults who answered questions correctly about their constitutional rights and the basic structure of the federal government.

But there’s a caveat.

1 Triple threat Even with the increase in correct answers, 49 per cent still can’t name the three branches of the government (executive, legislative and judicial). Fifty- one per cent named all three branches, up from 39 per cent last year, the prior high point in 10 surveys going back to 2006. Another 17 per cent could name two branches, while eight per cent could name one branch, which was a drop from 25 per cent in 2019.

2 Highest court Only 51 per cent of respondents correctly said the Supreme Court has the final responsibility for deciding whether an action taken by the president is constitutional, lower than the 61 per cent in 2019. And when asked what a 5- to- 4 Supreme Court ruling means, only 54 per cent knew the decision would become law — a drop from 59 per cent in 2019.

3 Large improvement Asked to name individual rights guaranteed to Americans under the First Amendment • 73 per cent correctly named freedom of speech, up from 48 per cent in 2017 • 47 per cent named freedom of religion, up from 15 • 42 per cent named freedom of the press, up from 14 • 34 per cent named the right of assembly, up from 10 • 14 per cent named the right to petition the government, up from 3. The percentage of Americans who could not name a First Amendment right fell to 19 per cent from 37.

4 Ot her areas The survey also found that 56 per cent of respondents agreed that Supreme Court justices set aside their personal and political views and make rulings based on the Constitution, the law and the facts of the case — an increase from 49 per cent last year. Asked how much of a majority is required for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to override a presidential veto, only 47 per cent correctly said it takes a two- thirds majority. That was the lowest percentage since 2007.