Introduced
March 11, 2026
Mr. Kim submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration
RESOLUTION
Establishing an annual Senate academic civics competition for secondary school students.
SECTION 1. Findings.
The Senate finds the following:
- (1) According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress civics and United States history assessments, the average civics score for students in grade 8 was 2 points lower compared to the average civics score in 2018, the first time the civics score dropped since the assessment was first administered in 1998.
- (2) According to the 2023 Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey, a nationally represented survey, 1 in 6 adults in the United States could not name any of the 3 branches of government.
- (3) The decline in civics education contributes to civic disengagement, evident in lower voter turnout among young people and reduced participation in community life.
- (4) The spread of misinformation and disinformation has further highlighted the urgent need for students to gain civic reasoning and media literacy skills.
- (5) The success of the Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional App Challenge demonstrates that Congress can play a unique role in elevating student talent and achievement.
- (6) With the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States approaching next year, the Senate has an opportunity to renew America’s commitment to civic education and democratic participation.