Recent survey findings suggest that civic knowledge may play an important role in fostering tolerance for opposing political views and strengthening civil discourse. The results come from the Institute of American Civics, housed in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Nearly 1,100 Tennesseans participated in the survey, conducted in November 2025 using a mixed-methods approach that combined telephone and internet surveying. It marks the second statewide civic attitudes survey conducted by the institute.
While many of the key findings aligned with trends observed in the IAC’s inaugural survey, the 2025 results provide deeper insight into how civic knowledge shapes political tolerance, civic engagement and public attitudes surrounding disagreement.
Key findings:
- Only about half of the respondents knew that Tennessee has a state constitution.
- Fewer than half of the respondents said they knew who their state legislators were.
- Nearly half of the respondents said they were somewhat or extremely worried about their reputation being harmed by political opinions shared online or at work.
- Respondents broadly endorsed civility but differed sharply on what civility means, with some defining it as respectful disagreement and others viewing it as avoiding controversy.
According to the report, the findings align with a growing body of national research suggesting that civic knowledge is connected to greater political tolerance and a stronger willingness to engage constructively across disagreement.
“Civic knowledge does more than improve factual understanding,” said Joshua Dunn, executive director of the IAC. “It may also strengthen the habits and dispositions that allow citizens to disagree productively within a constitutional system.”
The report argues that understanding constitutional structures can help citizens place political disagreements within a larger democratic framework rather than viewing politics as a zero-sum contest.
The institute plans to continue using survey results to shape educational programming, public events and K-12 outreach efforts to improve civic literacy and encourage constructive dialogue across differences.
The full report is available on the IAC website.
About the Institute of American Civics
The 112th Tennessee General Assembly created the Institute of American Civics to strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in national discourse. The institute is committed to improving civic knowledge and civil discourse through courses, student programs, public events and K-12 outreach.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, [email protected])
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