Americans say politically motivated violence is increasing, and they see many reasons why
Just over half of Americans see left-wing (53%) and right-wing (52%) extremism as major problems.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Political Polarization
All
Political Polarization
Publications
-
-
Most Americans say Republican and Democratic voters cannot agree on basic facts
Eight-in-ten U.S. adults say Republican and Democratic voters not only disagree on plans and policies, but also cannot agree on basic facts.
-
Key facts about union members and the 2024 election
About six-in-ten voters who belong to a union identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, while about four-in-ten associate with the GOP.
-
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.
-
Americans see little bipartisan common ground, but more on foreign policy than on abortion, guns
Across six issue areas, the share of adults who say there is at least some common ground between the parties has declined by an average of 12 points since 2023.
-
About 1 in 4 Americans have unfavorable views of both Biden and Trump
Unfavorable views of both Trump and Biden are more common among young adults and those who “lean” to a party.
-
How Republicans view climate change and energy issues
Just 12% of Republicans and Republican leaners say dealing with climate change should be a top priority for the president and Congress.
-
Tuning Out: Americans on the Edge of Politics
Untethered from partisan politics and uninterested in keeping up with political news, here is how some Americans view the current state of U.S. politics.
-
Americans’ Dismal Views of the Nation’s Politics
Americans’ views of politics and elected officials are unrelentingly negative, with little hope of improvement on the horizon. 65% of Americans say they always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics. By contrast, just 10% say they always or often feel hopeful about politics.
-
Narrow majorities in U.S. House have become more common but haven’t always led to gridlock
House Republicans held the fifth-smallest majority in U.S. history at the start of the current congress, tied with the 107th and 83rd Congresses.
