New legislation is poised to tackle the question of future voter’s civic literacy. Utah House Bill 381, sponsored by Rep. Douglas Welton, would require Utah high school students to pass a yearlong citizenship course as part of their graduation requirements.
According to a national survey conducted by the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, one in three Americans are able to pass a multiple choice test consisting of questions taken directly from the U.S. Citizenship Test.
The survey showed a surprising lack of knowledge of American history and government on even the most fundamental levels. Only 24% of those surveyed knew why the colonists fought the British in the American Revolution.
Less than half of Utah citizens surveyed were able to pass the exam.
“There is a growing interest in civics education and making sure that future voters understand how their government works,” Welton said. “I think some of that comes back to not knowing how it works.”
The current curriculum requires that students complete 2.5 units of social studies and focuses mainly on civics at the federal level, but Welton would like students to develop a deeper understanding of how local government works and the impact it has on their community.
“Informed voters are critical to a strong, functioning democracy. Too many kids are graduating high school without really understanding their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the structure of government in general,” Melissa Chipman, a teacher at the American Academy of Innovation in South Jordan, said.
The proposed amendments to current social studies requirements would also encourage engagement among the students designed to develop their critical thinking skills surrounding civic matters.
Welton would like to see kids having more thoughtful discussions around abstract ideas to help them better understand how what they’re learning will help them deal with real world issues.
A recent research study conducted by Young Citizens showed that young people who are more informed about politics are more likely to vote and trust politicians.
Parents are also understanding the growing importance of preparing their children to be active, informed citizens.
"It's important to teach our students how to think critically about government and policy," said Brennen Masters, whose daughter is graduating this spring.
The changes would be relatively simple for Utah high schools to implement but might limit some of the current social studies elective options.
If the bill passes, it will be effective beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.