Arizona Is First to Require Civics Test in High School

Starting in 2017, those who fail won't get diploma
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 15, 2015 6:29 PM CST
Arizona Is First to Require Civics Test in High School
In this Jan. 5 photo, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey speaks after being sworn in during inauguration ceremonies at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Today's high school sophomores in Arizona will have an extra exam to pass before collecting their diplomas in two years—a civics test. Gov. Doug Ducey proposed the requirement in his state-of-the-state address, and Arizona lawmakers approved it today, reports the Arizona Republic. The measure goes into effect in 2017, and other states are expected to follow suit to mark the 230th anniversary of the US Constitution.

The test will likely be similar to the one that naturalized immigrants have to take, reports KGUN9, which provides this link as an example of typical questions. ("What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?" "How many amendments does the Constitution have?" and "Name one branch or part of the government" are among them.) One more fun fact: In pushing for the requirement, Ducey cited a survey showing that 96% of students can't pass a basic civics test, but it turns out that the survey he cited was discredited in 2009, reports the AP. (More Arizona stories.)

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