Democracy's Greatest Danger

After chairing the Texas Senate Education Committee for several years, I am absolutely convinced that although education is expensive, it is not near so expensive as ignorance. I am also convinced that ignorance is the greatest danger to a free society. Jefferson and others of our founders often advocated knowledgeable citizens were essential to a free society. There is a growing concern today as to whether or our educational system is producing the level of knowledge essential for the preservation of a free democratic society in America.

The following test should give us an indication as to whether or not the next generation is being adequately prepared to handle the government we would like for our children and grandchildren.

Test

1. What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

2. What is the name of the vice-president of the United States?

3. Can you name a member of the United States Supreme Court?

4. Who is the governor of Texas?

5. Can you name your state representative or member of Congress?

6. What is the Electoral College?

7. Who makes the rules for your school district?

8. What body governs counties?

9. How often do we vote to elect a president of the United States?

If you are a high school senior or graduate and cannot answer at least half of these questions, our system is obviously not doing an adequate job to prepare the next generation to preserve our government and way of life. If, as I suspect, our young people fail the test, we should all make it our business to contact our school boards, school superintendents, and members of our various governments and demand more and better attention to the preparedness of the next generation to be productive American citizens.