Can Americans be optimistic about their democracy?
Americans’ grim political mood and desire for change show up across our surveys. But despite divisions, there are hopeful signs for the future.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Political Ideals & Systems
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Political Ideals & Systems
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Americans’ views of offensive speech aren’t necessarily clear-cut
About six-in-ten U.S. adults (62%) say that “people being too easily offended by things others say” is a major problem in the country today.
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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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In the UK, dissatisfaction with economy, democracy is widespread ahead of election
None of the four major British political parties we asked about in our survey receive net positive ratings from the British public.
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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.
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Support for democracy is strong in Hong Kong and Taiwan
More than eight-in-ten adults in Hong Kong and Taiwan say democracy is a good way to govern.
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How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve
We asked over 30,000 people what would help democracy work better in their country. Key themes in their responses were addressing basic needs and improving or rebuilding the political system.
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What Can Improve Democracy?
Amid growing discontent with the state of democracy globally, we asked over 30,000 people what changes would make their democracy work better.
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Who likes authoritarianism, and how do they want to change their government?
The share of the public that supports authoritarian systems ranges from 85% in India to 8% in Sweden.
