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Gov. DeSantis wants civics exams for high school seniors

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants high school seniors to be required to take a civics exam similar to the one immigrants must pass to become naturalized U.S. citizens.

In order to make this a reality, DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Education to develop an initiative that will increase civics education throughout Florida classrooms.

DeSantis, who ran last year on a platform that stressed improved civics education, says Florida high school seniors lack a basic understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents, as well as government structure.