Do you think people should have to pass a history test before voting?

Question

not that i think so, but the average american these days is SOOO STUPID! they don't watch the news and they don't know their history! if you don't know your history, you are doomed to repeat it. this is coming true. look out for the next hitler taking away rights, or an orwellian type society (which one could argue is already here)

Answer 1

This is from the failure of our education systems.



If we did have a test today it would have to be quite simplistic or we would find that very few would pass it and have the ability to vote.



I agree with you though. Civics needs to be taught in our school systems.

Answer 2

I dont think that knowing history will have a profound effect on electing a current president. How would knowing about the the American revolution or the civil war help people in the 21st century choose a president. I think that a lot of the "stupid" people are also lazy and they dont care so they dont even vote. My wife is kind of stupid and she does not vote. I am not a master of US history however I consider myself an educated voter but I guess I should no longer vote because I wasn't a history major so the person I vote for may allow the British to rule our country or maybe they will legalize slavery.

Answer 3

Yes. Absolutely. But, I ask you, how will this be accomplished? Bush may need to take remedial schooling to cast his ballot.

Of course people can vote whether they are mentally challenged or not providing they have passed the test.



I really don't like the idea that felons could vote - they gave up that right when they were incarcerated.(My point of view.)



I think you are way off the track when you refer to Orwellian type paranoia. I believe, though, that he might like the idea if some one would explain it to him. He is making a farce of his Presidency. Even though I think the USA, UK are moving in this direction but it will not be able to take hold. We will certainly see more video surveillance like the ones around the Pentagon that cover all the grounds. Too bad some criminals stole most of the tapes.

Answer 4

A History Test in America means the answers would mostly be OLD WHITE MEN...what about Maya Angelou, who addressed the nation as Poet Laureate, or Martin Luther King Jr.



Go take a look at a citizenship test. Most Americans would fail.



More Sadly, immigrants, illegals, forgeiners, people who don't even speak english might do better than a 18 year old white boy.

Answer 5

I can see what youre saying and partially agree with you but when do you draw the line on these things what level of intelligence qualifies anyone to vote even stupid people can be given the tools to make the right decision, perhaps an iq of 80+ or 100+ or 150+ I think you can see where I am going with this after all its supposed to be a free society.

Answer 6

no citizens right to vote should ever be taken from them under any circumstances, you would basically create a second class citizen, in a sense we would be repeating history again though instead of racial discrimination it would be intellectual discrimination so in a sense the question posed is in fact defeating its own purpose and defying its intended creation.



it is OK for people ,whether we like it or not, to not want to learn American history, its their choice. We have no right to enforce our belief on any one let alone legislate it. History does bring wisdom though it is not imperative to our future. And if we are doomed to a Orwellian society, the silver lining is that we led ourselves there through choice, not through the decisions of a few.

Answer 7

Post 9/11 security did bring pretty broad, aggressive surveillance, but its still long long long ways from Orwellian type society. People still flock to our country seeking freedom and to run from authoritarian states. Most people hardly felt security changes from 9/11 other than airport lines. What specific example could you provide that says you're rights have been taken? I'm not talking about news stories. What did gov do to prevent you from doing something you used to do before 9/11? How did all those things effect you directly?

Answer 8

Bad idea. Voting is a fundamental right. A test to make sure a voter is in tune with the "facts" as others see them is a an offense to liberty. You can vote for who every you want, for what ever reason you want. Feedom is the freedom to be ignorant if you so choose. Oh brother, "Yes but bush has nothing to do with this election..." Except for the fact that the "Maverick" who;s running on the same party's ticket voted with him 90% of the time.

Answer 9

I would have passed that test back when I was in school. I used to have the preamble memorized and I resited it in front of the class. But anybody can vote, and it's good not to watch the news on TV because it brainwashes you. The TV just brainwashes you, stay away from it.



All citizens over 18 get to vote, and that's that! Don't complicate it!



Vote Ron Paul!!!

Answer 10

If that were the case, a democrat would never be elected president again.



Best to keep voting open to the uninformed in order to promote equality.. The true essence of democracy (stupid people get to vote).

Answer 11

yes and in that case :





10 % would pass the test,

4 % would vote

The president will win slightly higher than half the votes.

It means that we will have a president who won 2% of all qualified voters. Great suggestion

Answer 12

No. I think they should read all the mail they send us when it's time to vote. And watch the news and see the debates. Free to do or vote for who we think is the best person. God bless America!

Answer 13

we did it was called civics classbut lets face it most people vote like their parents did sad but true

Answer 14

They shold have to pass some sort of test to be President.

Answer 15

it would be very inconvenient for someone to study or even know the history of his country/nation. what counts is now and what is being shown everywhere.