According to a study by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, or CIRCLE, turnout among young voters has dropped by 13 percent between 1972 and 2000.

CNN: USC student groups steer registration drives

In the 2004 presidential election, just 47 percent of 18-to 24 year-old citizens voted, compared to 66 percent of citizens 25 and older, according to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.

NPR: Obama Draws Record Number Young People

As the research questions indicate, ICCS did not look only into civic knowledge learning outcomes, which are relevant to research questions 1 and 2, but also at learner attitudes and behaviour (question 3) and perceptions (question 4).

UNESCO: Article on assesment

In terms of civic knowledge (questions 1 and 2), the authors found a significant difference in learning outcomes by country, which should probably be seen in the light of the widely different approaches to civic education in the countries.

UNESCO: Article on assesment