Less engaged groups are more likely to answer ‘not sure’ to factual questions about American politics
% of U.S. adults in each engagement group who answered the knowledge question correctly, incorrectly or said they were not sure
* Washington, D.C., residents were asked about the mayor.
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. Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
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. Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
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 groups are more likely to answer ‘not sure’ to factual questions about American politics
% of U.S. adults in each engagement group who answered the knowledge question correctly, incorrectly or said they were not sure
| Question | Correct | Incorrect | Not sure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobilizers | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. Senate? (Republicans) | 84 | 7 | 9 |
| Connectors | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. Senate? (Republicans) | 86 | 5 | 9 |
| Spectators | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. Senate? (Republicans) | 73 | 6 | 20 |
| Outsiders | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. Senate? (Republicans) | 59 | 4 | 37 |
| Mobilizers | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. House of Representatives (Republicans) | 85 | 6 | 8 |
| Connectors | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. House of Representatives (Republicans) | 86 | 4 | 10 |
| Spectators | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. House of Representatives (Republicans) | 74 | 5 | 21 |
| Outsiders | Which political party currently has majority control in the U.S. House of Representatives (Republicans) | 58 | 4 | 38 |
| Mobilizers | Which position is currently held by__? (when provided their state’s current governor) | 85 | 9 | 6 |
| Connectors | Which position is currently held by__? (when provided their state’s current governor) | 91 | 3 | 6 |
| Spectators | Which position is currently held by__? (when provided their state’s current governor) | 79 | 6 | 14 |
| Outsiders | Which position is currently held by__? (when provided their state’s current governor) | 71 | 4 | 24 |
| Mobilizers | Which term best describes a U.S. government tax on goods imported into the U.S.? (tariff) | 87 | 8 | 4 |
| Connectors | Which term best describes a U.S. government tax on goods imported into the U.S.? (tariff) | 95 | 2 | 3 |
| Spectators | Which term best describes a U.S. government tax on goods imported into the U.S.? (tariff) | 86 | 3 | 10 |
| Outsiders | Which term best describes a U.S. government tax on goods imported into the U.S.? (tariff) | 78 | 2 | 20 |
* Washington, D.C., residents were asked about the mayor.
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. Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
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. Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
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
