To: The United States Congress and the Office of the President

We, the undersigned, respectfully call on Congress to pass legislation requiring that all Members of Congress, Presidents-elect, and Presidential appointees demonstrate a baseline understanding of civics, constitutional law, and the structure of the federal government prior to assuming their duties.

Why This Matters:

Those who hold the highest positions of public trust in the United States, elected lawmakers and the individuals appointed to lead our federal agencies, are responsible for decisions that shape the lives of every American. They write and vote on legislation, oversee federal departments, interpret and implement policy, and act as stewards of the constitutional framework that governs this country.

Given the weight of these responsibilities, it is reasonable to expect that the people who hold these positions possess a working knowledge of the system they are sworn to serve.

Currently, no such requirement exists.

By contrast, individuals applying for U.S. citizenship are required to pass a civics examination before they may fully participate in American democracy. It is a measured and fair expectation, and one that we believe should extend equally to those entrusted with leading it.

What We're Asking For:

We call for the establishment of a standardized, nonpartisan knowledge assessment for all Members of Congress, Presidents-elect, and Presidential appointees, covering three core areas:

• Civics: the foundations of American democracy, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the principles of self-governance
• Constitutional and Federal Law: the structure and protections of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law
• Government Structure and Function: how the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches operate, how they interact, and how accountability is maintained across each

This assessment should be transparent and publicly accessible, so citizens can review what their officials are expected to know. It should be independently administered, free from partisan oversight or political interference, and completed prior to assuming office, a confirmed appointment, or inauguration. Officials who do not meet the passing standard would receive structured remedial education, followed by a reassessment before full duties are assumed.

A Note on Intent:

This proposal is not about disqualifying individuals from public service, nor is it motivated by any political viewpoint. People across the full spectrum of political belief serve in Congress and in appointed roles, and this standard would apply equally to all of them.

Its purpose is straightforward: to ensure that the individuals making decisions about American law and governance have a foundational understanding of both. That is not a partisan position. It is a reasonable expectation that most Americans, regardless of party, would agree upon.

We believe that accountability and competence in government are values shared by everyone.

What Comes Next:

If passed into law, this measure would establish a meaningful and achievable baseline for public service, one that complements existing confirmation, election, and transition processes rather than replacing them. Officials who require additional preparation would receive it through a structured, supported process and would be better equipped to serve as a result.

We urge you to support this commonsense measure. Sign this petition to call on Congress to act.

This is a sponsored petition. Learn more here.