Either civics has been pulled from the curriculum or most Americans ignore that section of the

[JRLeft]

history course. The President's real powers are in foreign policy and he has certain limitations there to. He cannot declare war by himself. He cannot fund anything by himself without the help of congress. But a lot of Americans have this notion that the President can pass a budget and basically act as a dictator. Only congress can pass a budget. The republicans act as if Obama can unilaterally pass his budget alone. If he had those powers we would be better off today than we are right now. The republicons blocked everything because they knew those measures would stimulate the economy. They also know that most Americans tune out after the election is over. I believe most Americans understand this, but a little less than half do not. What are your opinions on this subject matter?

[RKP5637]

1. Many Americans are ignorant! And sadly some are proud of their ignorance. n/t

[annabanana]

2. "Civics"?

What is this "Civics" you speak of?

Even back in the good old 50's, public schools shied the study into a few hours of the Social Studies block.

Is it any wonder that those "man on the street" pop quizzes are so damn depressing?

[elleng]

3. It HAS been pulled from the curriculum, in MANY places,

and it suits 'them' just fine. 'A well informed electorate' is the LAST thing repugs want.

[JRLeft]

4. You hear Mitch McConnell say President Obama hasn't passed a budget yet to fix the economy, if every

American was educated in civics they would laugh in his face.

[jody]

9. Makes sense and anyone who claims a president's budget improved the economy is also wrong. So why

are Obama and Romney campaigning on how they will add jobs since you point out it is congress that passes a budget?

[el_bryanto]

5. Well - i think since FDR and JFK and LBJ and even Clinton and Reagan (negatively)

People do think that the President can play a big role in the economy and other areas. Foolish, perhaps, particularly when the House and Senate are in the hands of the other party (and that party is in the grip of a crazed faction like the tea party).

Bryant

[Jennicut]

6. Well my 3rd grader has a social studies book that was just passed out

last week. We didn't have social studies until 7th grade. My daughters also switch teachers for math in 2nd grade, two grades earlier then I did. In nursery school kids write their names and a few basic words. Kids are actually on track to learn everything earlier. It is the adults that chose to be brain dead and not pay attention. In my Government class in college, some of the people had glazed looks on their faces. Some people just don't want to learn. And those types are mostly Repubs.

[JRLeft]

7. Civics is being ignored by a large segment of society. Another thing I believe. Policy is ignored

by a large segment of society.

[KansDem]

8. You summed it up with this observation...

But a lot of Americans have this notion that the President can pass a budget and basically act as a dictator.

Conservatives and Tea Baggers believe this and they react accordingly when the President cannot pass a budget. Congressional Republicans know this power lies with Congress but will criticize the President for "not passing a budget" and then campaign on that criticism.

They're doing it now.