Knowing It By Heart: Americans Consider the Constitution and its Meaning

Publication Date: September 2002

Publisher: National Constitution Center (U.S.); Public Agenda Foundation

Author(s): Leslie Wilson; Ann Duffett; Jean Johnson; Steve Farkas

Research Area: Government; Human rights

Type: Report

Abstract:

While most Americans admit they do not have detailed knowledge about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, they seem to have absorbed its core values of protecting the rights of all citizens. Most respondents were able to put aside their personal views on controversial issues such as homelessness and abortion to consider the rights of others. But two-thirds express concerns that the rich have more rights than others and that their right to privacy is under threat.