When immigrants to America wish to become citizens, they go through what's called a "naturalization" process. One of the final steps is to take a citizenship test to show that they're ready to be a responsible citizen.
It makes sense. Citizens carry a duty to make informed decisions about how we are governed, and we need to know something about this country to make good choices in life and especially in elections.
Part of the test includes American history. These immigrants are motivated, and about 90% of them pass the test. Would that the rest of us who are already citizens could do as well.
But we don't: "Fewer than one in five Americans under the age of 45 would pass the citizenship test." Watch how California State University students do at answering basic questions about their own country below.
Are they ready to be responsible citizens? Ready or not, they vote.
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