A concerning trend of declining civic and economic understanding among young voters is contributing to the election of socialist leaders and the embrace of policies based on unrealistic promises. This article explores the consequences of this knowledge gap and argues for the importance of strengthening education in these critical areas.

Rise of Socialist Leaders in Major Cities

Recent developments highlight a concerning trend: the election of socialist leaders in major American cities. Within a six-month period, two of the nation’s largest economic hubs elected first-time executives who campaigned on radical platforms centered around rent freezes, price controls, and guaranteed outcomes through governmental intervention.

Katie Wilson, a 43-year-old socialist organizer with no prior political experience, was elected, following a similar victory for a 34-year-old self-described democratic socialist. Exit polls revealed overwhelming support from young voters, with 78% of those under 30 backing the socialist candidates.

Decline in Civic and Economic Literacy

This surge in support for socialist ideologies coincides with a significant decline in civic and economic literacy among younger generations. A troubling reality is that many young people are entering adulthood without a fundamental understanding of how government functions or how economic systems operate.

NAEP Data Reveals Concerning Trends

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data reveals that only 22% of eighth graders demonstrate proficiency in civics, with nearly a third scoring below basic levels. Adult knowledge is equally concerning, with a 2025 study showing that while 70% can identify the three branches of government, less than half can name more than two of the five rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, and a mere 9% can name all five.

Higher Education's Role and Failures

Higher education institutions are failing to address this gap, with only 3.1% of colleges and universities requiring economics courses. This lack of foundational knowledge creates a dangerous vulnerability, allowing voters to be swayed by simplistic solutions and unrealistic promises.

The Importance of Foundational Knowledge

The absence of both economic and civic understanding represents a critical deficit in the grammar of self-government. Economics teaches the principles of incentives and trade-offs, while civics elucidates the structures and constraints within which government operates. Together, they provide the necessary framework for citizens to evaluate the feasibility and constitutionality of proposed policies.

Consequences of a Lack of Understanding

Without this framework, voters are unable to assess whether a policy will deliver on its promises or whether the government even has the authority to implement it. The current situation, characterized by the election of candidates with analytically incoherent and constitutionally unbounded programs, is a direct consequence of this widespread lack of understanding.

Observations from the Classroom

Observations from years of teaching political science at Sarah Lawrence College and visiting campuses nationwide confirm this trend. Students readily express opinions on issues like inequality and wages, advocating for solutions like rent control and universal housing rights. However, when challenged to consider the practical implications – how housing is built with capped returns, the impact of price controls on supply, or the constitutional limits of mayoral power – they often fall silent.

They are not unintelligent, but rather unexposed to the fundamental principles of economics and civics.

Prevailing Sentiment and Favorable Views on Socialism

The prevailing sentiment among many young people is that the system is rigged, markets are exploitative, and wealth is unjust, with the belief that outcomes can be redesigned through policy. This perspective feels complete because it resonates with real frustrations – rising housing costs, student debt, and limited economic mobility – and doesn’t require a deep understanding of market dynamics or the legislative process.

A recent poll found that 62% of individuals aged 18-29 view socialism favorably, without even a definition of the term being provided.

The Power of Education

Research indicates that even a single economics course can significantly improve economic understanding, regardless of ideological starting points, encouraging students to consider the costs of policies rather than just their promises. Similarly, civics instruction teaches students the actual powers and limitations of government, fostering an appreciation for compromise and constraint.

Rent control, a central tenet of the current progressive agenda, serves as a prime example of a policy that requires this foundational understanding.