A new national survey conducted by the Cato Institute in collaboration with Morning Consult reveals a concerning level of civic ignorance among Americans as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. The poll, which surveyed 2,253 Americans ahead of July 4th, found that nearly half (46%) of respondents do not know what the anniversary commemorates. Just over half (53%) correctly identified it as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Despite this lack of knowledge, the survey indicates that a significant majority of Americans feel a sense of gratitude and pride in their nationality. An impressive 86% of respondents expressed gratitude for being American, and 79% reported feeling proud of their country. Additionally, 61% believe that America remains a land of opportunity, while 74% feel that the American Dream is personally attainable.

As the nation prepares to celebrate its founding, most Americans maintain a positive view of the country's origins, with 76% expressing favorable feelings about the nation’s founding and 70% believing that the founding principles still hold relevance today. The poll highlights a strong belief in the importance of the US Constitution, with 86% affirming its role in protecting rights and freedoms, and 82% acknowledging its contribution to America's prosperity.

However, the survey also uncovered a troubling sentiment: nearly 60% of respondents feel that the country has drifted away from its founding principles. Furthermore, 56% expressed concern that the US could cease to be a free nation within the next 50 years. Many Americans cite corruption, the concentration and abuse of power, and neglect of founding principles as potential threats to the nation’s future.

To safeguard their freedoms, respondents showed support for constitutional limits on government power. For instance, 58% believe that no political party should be entrusted with excessive power, and 55% advocate for the Constitution to impose strict limits on government actions, even if it complicates problem-solving. Additionally, 72% insist that the president must adhere to Supreme Court rulings, even if he disagrees with them.

Nevertheless, a significant minority appears willing to compromise on these principles when it suits their interests. About 40% of Americans consider it acceptable for a president they support to stretch the Constitution to achieve desired outcomes.

The poll also highlighted a concerning lack of substantive civic knowledge. While 77% of respondents correctly identified George Washington as the first president, 58% were unable to articulate the main purpose of the US Constitution, and 57% did not know the reason behind the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of a government with limited powers.