There are many explanations for the decline in patriotism we reported last week, but surely one factor is that public schools and even many private schools, now rarely teach civics or a positive view of America’s founding.

A new Cato Institute poll of over 2,000 Americans reveals a shocking level of ignorance about U.S. history and our government. A majority of people don’t know why the American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence to separate from Britain on July 4, 1776 (53%).

Young people were the least likely to know, with 65% of 18-29 year olds expressing ignorance. Apparently, “these truths” are NOT so self-evident.

Maybe that explains why 53% of that group also support writing a new U.S. Constitution.

By the way, the other groups most in support of writing a new Constitution didn’t surprise us – they include strong liberals (50%) and government employees (54%).  So long “checks and balances.”