Global Breaking News - Friday, October 2, 2026

Should Candidates Have to Pass a Civics Test?
Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann and now Herman Cain — all caught in an embarrassing moment when their memory failed them or their knowledge was limited. The federal government requires applicants for certain civil service jobs to take a written exam. The same holds true for the foreign service. And to become a U.S. citizen you have to pass a civics test. Why do we not require a similar exam for individuals who seek election to office?
* embarrassing = 난처한; 당혹스러운/ civil service = 공무원(행정) 업무(조직)/ hold true = 진실이다; 유효하다/ civics test = 공민학(윤리) 시험/ seek election to (an) office = 관직에 취직운동을 하다

 정부 고위직(관직)을 원하는 사람들에게 공무원 시험과 유사한 시험을 요구해야 하나요?

1. It’s Up to the Voters
We don't need written competency tests, but we do need a better way to expand the candidate pool and return campaigns to what they should be, a chance to examine candidates up close and personal.
 
2. Give Them a Pop Quiz!
If Cain read Anita Hill’s autobiography, if Bachmann took a gay studies course, if Romney spent the night with the Occupiers, if Obama visited a prison, the next election would be something to look forward to.
 
3. More Than Test Scores
Raw intelligence, or even specific knowledge about policy and current events, doesn’t guarantee good judgment. Voters generally want someone who shares their values. 
 
4. Who Tests the Testers?
The only thing worse than electing an unqualified candidate would be empowering someone to decide who is qualified.
 
5. Flies in the Face of History
A qualifying examination for elective office is far removed from the philosophy of the framers, who rejected all but the most basic qualifications, and far from constitutional.