American Opinion: Could you pass a citizenship test? Most Americans can’t American Opinion: Refocusing educational time on civics reinforces the importance of engaged citizens in our system of government. We can’t protect our fragile freedoms if we are ill-equipped to honor our responsibilities to each other, our institutions and ourselves. A republic that has enough self-respect to teach itself civics is a republic that will long endure. Written By: NAME Editorial Board | 7:30 am, Mar. 16, 2021 × American OpinionPaula Pandey Chhetri / Forum Design Center If you were born in this country, there is a high probability that you know less about the Constitution and American history than do immigrants who become citizens. And various studies indicate that you might also flunk the citizenship exam.