Comparing Knowledge Levels of Three Generations Over Time

When asked: “What party controls Congress?”

American National Elections Survey data, 1960-1992

Previous slide Next slide Back to first slide View graphic version

Notes:

These more popular culture forms of information programming may be influencing the knowledge levels of our new citizens.

This chart tracks the political knowledge of three generations at different points in their life cycle. Clearly, Gen X entered the world lacking much of the knowledge of older cohorts when they were younger.

How much does infotainment media play in these drops in knowledge levels and the rise in cynicism of the system?

And, if we agree with Jefferson, that this compromises freedom, our we at risk of loosing our democracy because of a disinformed, uncritical citizenry?