Before graduating High School in Illinois, I had to pass a U.S. Constitution test intended to ensure basic knowledge of our government before entering the working world and voting. There aren’t many things in Illinois worth copying, but this one is. Too many young people are graduating from Iowa schools not knowing how our government works or knowing the rights and duties they hold as citizens. That’s not good for the future of our republic.
HF 165 requires Iowa kids to answer 100 multiple choice questions and get 60% correct to pass. They can retake the test as often as they want. Immigrants are required to answer the same questions before they can become American citizens. Surely, we can agree 60% is a low bar. Sadly, that is not the case. On the House floor, Democrats offered irrelevant amendments and a rather depressing view of our education system.
One amendment would require legislators take the same test and post results. I actually did take the test a few days ago (without studying and without the advantage of multiple choice). I got 96% right. While I’d have no problem with this requirement, the Democrats are well aware this amendment was not germane and intended only for political theater.
Democrats also argued a simple exam is just too much to ask. Some students, they argued, might drop out of school due to test anxiety. “Why? … Oh, why” would we do this to them? Maybe this is a clue as to why nearly 40% of Iowa kids read below their grade level.
Further, the $4 billion the state puts into k-12, plus the property taxes, plus federal funding, isn’t enough to administer a test. This test will single handedly increase property taxes.
Florida, Arizona, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Illinois require a version of this test. (Even Jeff Spicoli had to pass one at Ridgemont High). It’s time for Iowa to do so, too, and take a step toward restoring a culture of civic responsibility, patriotism, and respect for the Constitution.
If we want the next generation to stand up for liberty, they should understand what makes America worth defending.
It passed 60-33. Take the test yourself here: 100q.pdf. Tell me how you did.
