Less engaged Americans are more likely to say they are unsure when quizzed about politics
% of U.S. adults in each engagement group who responded “not sure” to 1 or more of 4 knowledge questions
Note: Engagement groups are based on a cluster analysis that sorted Americans into four groups based on their responses to 19 questions about political activity, civic involvement, religious attendance and attention to news. All questions are multiple choice; for full question wording, refer to the topline.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 8-14, 2025.
“How Americans Are Engaged With News, Politics, Religion and Civic Life”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
Less engaged Americans are more likely to say they are unsure when quizzed about politics
% of U.S. adults in each engagement group who responded “not sure” to 1 or more of 4 knowledge questions
| Group | One or more not sure | |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. adults | group1 | 32 |
| Mobilizers | group2 | 15 |
| Connectors | group2 | 16 |
| Spectators | group2 | 32 |
| Outsiders | group2 | 50 |
Note: Engagement groups are based on a cluster analysis that sorted Americans into four groups based on their responses to 19 questions about political activity, civic involvement, religious attendance and attention to news. All questions are multiple choice; for full question wording, refer to the topline.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 8-14, 2025.
“How Americans Are Engaged With News, Politics, Religion and Civic Life”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
