Many state courts and bar associations have recently focused on the need for this nation to develop a more effective system of civic education. Chief Justice Jean Toal of South Carolina has been a champion of civic education in her state. Retired United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has championed the cause at the national level. If there is any doubt about the need to improve civics education a new 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll which found that just 40% of Americans know that there are nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court should dispel that doubt. 

Among college graduates, 52% answered correctly while 40% got it wrong and 8% say they don’t know. Of those without a college degree, 35% got it right, while 52% answered incorrectly and 13% said they don’t know.