Dissatisfaction with democracy remains widespread in many nations
Across 12 high-income countries, a median of 64% of adults say they are dissatisfied with the way their democracy is working, while a median of 35% are satisfied.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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DO NOT PUBLISH: BS Test
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution make up the Bill of Rights, which lay out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. How well do you know the First Amendment and some of the rights it guarantees? Test your knowledge by taking our eight-question quiz. These questions come from a recent Pew Research Center survey of 3,507 U.S. adults conducted in March 2026. When you finish, you can compare your results with the average American.
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Americans stand out internationally for their pessimism about the nation’s political system
People in higher-income countries are generally less likely to say their nation’s political system needs major changes or complete reform. Americans are an exception.
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Multiple indicators show a decline in the health of America’s democracy in 2025
Most Americans say democracy in the United States used to be a good example for other countries to follow but has not been in recent years.
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The United States at 250: How the Country Has Changed in the Past 50 Years
As America turns 250, explore how demographics, work, family and economics have shifted since 1976, based on 50 years of Census data.
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Striking findings from 2024
Here’s a look back at 2024 through 14 of our most striking research findings.
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Harris, Trump Voters Differ Over Election Security, Vote Counts and Hacking Concerns
90% of Harris voters, versus 57% of Trump voters, are confident the 2024 election will be administered well.
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Turks Lean Negative on Erdoğan, Give National Government Mixed Ratings
55% of Turks have an unfavorable view of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and about half lack confidence in the national government.
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72% of Americans say the U.S. used to be a good example of democracy, but isn’t anymore
A median of 40% of adults across 34 other countries surveyed in 2024 say U.S. democracy used to be a good example for other countries to follow.
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Satisfaction with democracy has declined in recent years in high-income nations
Many worldwide are dissatisfied with how democracy is working. In several high-income democracies, dissatisfaction has been on the rise since 2021.
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More than 80% of Americans believe elected officials don’t care what people like them think
More than 80% of Americans believe elected officials don’t care what people like them think.
