Education advocates are increasingly concerned about the lack of civics knowledge among U.S. students, as highlighted by the latest results from the 2022 'Nation's Report Card.' Only 22% of eighth graders demonstrated proficiency in civics, with 31% scoring below basic levels. This decline from previous assessments has prompted organizations like Defending Education to call for stronger national civics standards. A 2024 survey by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni revealed that 60% of undergraduate students did not know the term lengths for members of Congress. Advocates argue that this lack of knowledge could undermine the democratic process, as many high school graduates lack a foundational understanding of American government. Defending Education urges the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) to revise the Civics Assessment Framework to emphasize knowledge of the Constitution and government structure. The organization also highlights the inconsistency in civics education across states, noting that eight states do not require a civics course for high school graduation. Concerns about the influence of identity politics and diversity initiatives in education have been raised, with advocates arguing that classrooms should focus on educating students about their civic rights rather than promoting activism. The potential consequences of inadequate civics education include a lack of critical thinking among voters, which could threaten the integrity of democratic institutions.