{"id":27738,"date":"2024-03-13T09:55:09","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T14:55:09","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-09-17T12:22:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T16:22:11","slug":"how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/","title":{"rendered":"How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e1a0efe0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-horizontal__on-mobile__vertical has-sans-serif-font-family has-small-font-size is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-93c2ce85 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><nav style=\"--breadcrumbs-gap: var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-elements-1 wp-block-prc-block-breadcrumbs has-text-color has-ui-gray-light-color\" id=\"breadcrumbs-1\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\"><div class=\"prc-block-breadcrumbs__list\"><div class=\"prc-block-breadcrumbs__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\"><span>Home<\/span><\/a><\/div><span class=\"prc-block-breadcrumbs__separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">><\/span><div class=\"prc-block-breadcrumbs__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/topics\"><span>Research Topics<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/nav>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links has-small-icon-size has-icon-color has-icon-background-color is-style-pill-shape is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-c7005345 wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\" style=\"font-size:14px;text-transform:capitalize\"><div style=\"--block-gap:inherit\" class=\"wp-block-prc-block-social-share-sheet\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/social-share-sheet&quot;}\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;title&quot;:&quot;How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;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.&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/alpha.pewresearch.org\\\/pewresearch-org\\\/?p=27738&quot;,&quot;hashtags&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image&quot;:false}\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.onClick\" data-wp-class--web-share-supported=\"state.enabled\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.detectWebShareSupport\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/?p=27738\" class=\"has-ui-gray-very-dark-color has-ui-white-background-color\"><i class=\"icon icon-library__prc icon__share\"><svg style=\"width: 1em; height: 1em;\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n\t<path fill=\"currentColor\" transform=\"translate(0 0) scale(0.046875)\" d=\"M307 34.8c-11.5 5.1-19 16.6-19 29.2l0 64-112 0C78.8 128 0 206.8 0 304C0 417.3 81.5 467.9 100.2 478.1c2.5 1.4 5.3 1.9 8.1 1.9c10.9 0 19.7-8.9 19.7-19.7c0-7.5-4.3-14.4-9.8-19.5C108.8 431.9 96 414.4 96 384c0-53 43-96 96-96l96 0 0 64c0 12.6 7.4 24.1 19 29.2s25 3 34.4-5.4l160-144c6.7-6.1 10.6-14.7 10.6-23.8s-3.8-17.7-10.6-23.8l-160-144c-9.4-8.5-22.9-10.6-34.4-5.4z\" \/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/i><\/a>\n<li data-wp-context=\"{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/alpha.pewresearch.org\\\/pewresearch-org\\\/?p=27738&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;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.&quot;,&quot;platform&quot;:&quot;x&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/social-links\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.onClick\" style=\"color:#565656;background-color:#fff\" class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-x has-ui-gray-very-dark-color has-ui-white-background-color wp-block-social-link\"><a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13.982 10.622 20.54 3h-1.554l-5.693 6.618L8.745 3H3.5l6.876 10.007L3.5 21h1.554l6.012-6.989L15.868 21h5.245l-7.131-10.378Zm-2.128 2.474-.697-.997-5.543-7.93H8l4.474 6.4.697.996 5.815 8.318h-2.387l-4.745-6.787Z\" \/><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">X<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li data-wp-context=\"{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/alpha.pewresearch.org\\\/pewresearch-org\\\/?p=27738&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;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.&quot;,&quot;platform&quot;:&quot;facebook&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/social-links\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.onClick\" style=\"color:#565656;background-color:#fff\" class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-facebook has-ui-gray-very-dark-color has-ui-white-background-color wp-block-social-link\"><a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 2C6.5 2 2 6.5 2 12c0 5 3.7 9.1 8.4 9.9v-7H7.9V12h2.5V9.8c0-2.5 1.5-3.9 3.8-3.9 1.1 0 2.2.2 2.2.2v2.5h-1.3c-1.2 0-1.6.8-1.6 1.6V12h2.8l-.4 2.9h-2.3v7C18.3 21.1 22 17 22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li data-wp-context=\"{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/alpha.pewresearch.org\\\/pewresearch-org\\\/?p=27738&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;How People in 24 Countries Think Democracy Can Improve&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;We asked over 30,000 people what would help democracy work better in their country. 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3.2px) * 0.114), 15px);\"><em>Illustrations by John Carlo Mandapat<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;letter-spacing:1px\" class=\"wp-block-post-date has-text-align-center\"><time datetime=\"2024-03-13T09:55:09-04:00\">March 13, 2024<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-15701bb7 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-1400-wide\"><img data-dominant-color=\"8e8f81\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #8e8f81;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=480,270 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=782,440 782w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=960,540 960w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=1200,675 1200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=1564,880 1564w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=1600,900 1600w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?resize=3840,2160 3840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 1200px\" height=\"788\" width=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/PG_24.02.00_Democracy_IllustrationLede.png?w=1400\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34400 has-transparency\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-medium-font-size has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dissatisfaction with democracy is high and, <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/02\/28\/representative-democracy-remains-a-popular-ideal-but-people-around-the-world-are-critical-of-how-its-working\/\">in many places, rising<\/a>. But how do people think democracy in their country could be improved? To answer this, Pew Research Center asked over 30,000 people in 24 countries what they think would help make democracy work better where they live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three key themes emerged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group legend is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-502465da wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized wp-container-content-0b52d7dc\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/basicneeds-large-1\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"000000\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"119\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/basicneeds-large-1.png?resize=128,119 128w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/basicneeds-large-1.png?w=128\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359884 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #000000; width:70px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Addressing basic needs.<\/strong> People highlight problems with their country\u2019s economy, the need for jobs, a desire for safety and security, and problems with roads, electricity, health care and more \u2013 pointing to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/1951731\">precursors to democracy<\/a>, or the things they need in order for it to function at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group legend is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3d037daf wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized wp-container-content-c6a82635\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/improve-large-1\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"000000\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"119\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/improve-large-1.png?resize=128,119 128w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/improve-large-1.png?w=128\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359886 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #000000; width:70px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Improving the system.<\/strong> <\/strong>People also want to improve parts of the government they already have. They want better politicians or fairer implementation of existing rights. And many call for their country\u2019s citizens to participate more or behave differently in other ways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group legend is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-86b64a34 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized is-transparency wp-container-content-e0b89f81\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/overhaul-large-1\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"000000\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"131\" height=\"119\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/overhaul-large-1.png?resize=131,119 131w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/overhaul-large-1.png?w=131\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359887 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #000000; width:70px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong><strong>Overhauling the system.<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong>Some feel like the system itself needs to be reformed through changes to the electoral process, the balance of power between institutions, or the structure of courts, among other suggestions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#in-their-own-words\">Jump to our quote collection<\/a> to read how people want to improve their democracy in their own words.<br><br>For a deeper dive into the 17 types of changes people suggest, read <a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/what-can-improve-democracy\/\">\u201cWhat Can Improve Democracy?\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/basicneeds-large-2\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"000000\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"119\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/basicneeds-large-2.png?resize=128,119 128w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/basicneeds-large-2.png?w=128\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359890 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #000000; width:72px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-sans-serif-font-family\" id=\"addressing-basic-needs\">Addressing basic needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For some, there is a sense that good democracy is based on their needs being met \u2013 and this is particularly true in the middle-income countries we surveyed. For example, one woman in Indonesia emphasized the need to \u201cimprove economic conditions to ensure democracy goes well.\u201d Others highlight <strong>jobs<\/strong>,<strong> managing inflation<\/strong>, caring for the poor, livable wages, union reform and more.<br><br><strong>Infrastructure<\/strong> is also a key focus. One man in Nigeria noted, \u201cWhen education, roads, hospitals and adequate water are made available then I can say democracy will improve.\u201d In South Africa, amid months of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/africa\/south-africa-nearing-end-daily-power-cuts-minister-says-2023-07-02\/\">rolling blackouts<\/a>, one woman said, \u201cThe government must support the nation with service delivery. We poor people don\u2019t get any benefits. Electricity must be solved.\u201d<br><br>In India, <strong>agricultural policies<\/strong> also command attention \u2013 both prioritizing agriculture and implementing specific policy changes, like decreasing seed prices or reducing farmers\u2019 loans.<br><br>And some people emphasize the need for the state to <strong>reduce crime<\/strong> and increase safety, especially for women. One woman in Mexico suggested her government \u201cpay more attention to what they need to: supporting women who suffer violence, rape or mistreatment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-default has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8d9d3cfa wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:1em;padding-left:1em\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group graphic-insert basic-needs has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/pg_24-02-00_democracy_illustration1-1\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"62837c\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration1-1.png?resize=480,480 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration1-1.png?resize=640,640 640w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration1-1.png?w=640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359892 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #62837c; width:450px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quote has-oatmeal-light-background-color has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey should just work to reduce crime and get us jobs and houses because that is what we are voting for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Economic reform, Policies and legislation, Safety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 Man, 18, South Africa&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quote has-oatmeal-light-background-color has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cChange the economic system in Indonesia first so people will get welfare. Then the democratic system will go well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Economic reform<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 Woman, 41, Indonesia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-medium-font-size has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/improve-large-2\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"000000\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"119\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/improve-large-2.png?resize=128,119 128w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/improve-large-2.png?w=128\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359896 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #000000; width:72px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"improving-the-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-sans-serif-font-family\">Improving the system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fixing democracy for many respondents comes down to improving politicians, changing citizen behavior and ensuring the fair implementation of laws. In most countries, getting <strong>different or better politicians<\/strong> \u2013 whether they be more representative of the population, more competent or more responsive \u2013 is the <em>most<\/em> commonly requested change. One Australian woman called for \u201cmore younger politicians and those who are from working-class communities and realistic in understanding how the less wealthy live.\u201d A Kenyan woman said democracy would improve if \u201cleaders listen to Kenyans\u2019 opinions and put the country\u2019s well-being ahead of their own.\u201d<br><br>Some highlight how <strong>citizens<\/strong> themselves can change. This includes general calls for kindness, unity and respect, and appeals to end specific social conflicts \u2013 as in the case of one Israeli man who called for understanding \u201cbetween religious and secular people.\u201d Others see the need for the people to <em>do<\/em> more: vote at higher rates; educate themselves, especially in civics; and even protest at key moments.<br><br>Some focus on <strong>fairer implementation of existing laws and rights<\/strong>. For example, a number of people broadly call for leaders to \u201cfollow the Constitution,\u201d while others stress not allowing leaders charged with crimes to run for office. <strong>Treating everyone equally<\/strong> \u2013 both in general and in terms of specific ethnic, racial or religious groups \u2013 is also a dominant theme in some countries. One French woman proposed \u201cmore equality between men and women, better integration of immigrants, eradication of poverty, and elimination of child and animal abuse\u201d as means to improve democracy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-default has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8d9d3cfa wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:1em;padding-left:1em\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group graphic-insert improve-system has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/pg_24-02-00_democracy_illustration2-1\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"a58b7e\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration2-1.png?resize=480,480 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration2-1.png?resize=640,640 640w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration2-1.png?w=640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359900 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #a58b7e; width:450px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quote has-oatmeal-light-background-color has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIncreased participation of the population in politics. Education for people, because knowledgeable people know how to deal with different opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Citizens, Policies and legislation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 Woman, 31, Brazil<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quote has-oatmeal-light-background-color has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis country is full of idiots. Let&#8217;s have some real people in politics instead of these toffee-nosed public school boys. I know it\u2019s a generalization, but it sort of sums it up. Why can&#8217;t we have some specialists, some real people to advise? Not those handpicked from the aristocratic elite.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Politicians<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 Woman, 54, UK<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-medium-font-size has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/overhaul-large-2\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"000000\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"131\" height=\"119\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/overhaul-large-2.png?resize=131,119 131w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/overhaul-large-2.png?w=131\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359903 has-transparency\" style=\"--dominant-color: #000000; width:72px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"overhauling-the-system\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-sans-serif-font-family\">Overhauling the system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For some, <strong>fundamental changes<\/strong> are needed to improve democracy. These can be very country-specific changes, like abolishing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/uk-politics-63864428\">House of Lords in the United Kingdom<\/a>, changing the power of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-europe-29478415\">autonomous regions in Spain<\/a> or revising <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/03\/16\/world\/europe\/france-constitution-article-49-3.html\">Article 49.3 in France<\/a>. Others focus on the need to change the size of certain institutions (such as the legislature), balance power between branches or levels of government, or impose stricter term limits.<br><br><strong>Reforming the judicial system<\/strong>, whether by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/news\/en\/press-room\/20211015IPR15016\/poland-constitutional-tribunal-is-illegitimate-unfit-to-interpret-constitution\">replacing the judges on the Constitutional Tribunal in Poland<\/a>, changing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.eu\/article\/pedro-sanchez-spain-election-reform-parliament-europe\/\">how judges are appointed in Spain<\/a> or adding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brennancenter.org\/our-work\/policy-solutions\/supreme-court-term-limits\">term limits to the U.S. Supreme Court<\/a>, is also a priority. In Israel, where the survey was conducted during a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/israelis-protest-planned-judicial-overhaul-ahead-75th-independence-day-2023-04-22\/\">wave of protests against judicial reform<\/a> (and prior to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack), calls to \u201cweaken the High Court of Justice because it\u2019s harmful to democracy\u201d as well as preserve the court\u2019s independence were the most commonly suggested democratic improvement.<br><br>The <strong>way elections are conducted<\/strong> is also a concern, with many proposing a switch to proportional representation, or the implementation of ranked choice voting or first-past-the-post elections. Country-specific issues such as eliminating the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archives.gov\/electoral-college\/about\">Electoral College in the United States<\/a>, abolishing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/RegData\/etudes\/BRIE\/2019\/637966\/EPRS_BRI(2019)637966_EN.pdf\">D\u2019hondt method in Spain<\/a> or raising the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-europe-67399766\">electoral threshold in the Netherlands<\/a> were also suggested as improvements to democracy.<br><br>There are also broader calls for <em>more<\/em> elections \u2013 especially <strong>referenda or ballot initiatives<\/strong>. Sometimes, people called for votes on specific issues, as one woman in Sweden did: \u201cMore referenda on nuclear power, sexuality, NATO and the EU.\u201d Other times, people simply wanted the public to have a more direct say in policymaking, as in the case of one Australian man who said, \u201cDirect democracy. Allow the citizens to vote on the important policy directions the country makes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-default has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8d9d3cfa wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:1em;padding-left:1em\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group graphic-insert overhaul-system has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-640-wide is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-think-democracy-can-improve\/pg_24-02-00_democracy_illustration3-1\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"9f9d83\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration3-1.png?resize=480,480 480w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration3-1.png?resize=640,640 640w\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/03\/pg_24.02.00_democracy_illustration3-1.png?w=640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-359905 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9f9d83; width:450px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quote has-oatmeal-light-background-color has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cChanging the electoral law with the possibility of directly electing deputies and senators. It should not be as it is now, that they are assigned by the parties. We should give more leeway to the prime minister.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electoral reform<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 Man, 78, Italy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quote has-oatmeal-light-background-color has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBring more issues to the general public for voting instead of letting the current representatives vote on them. More referendum-style voting on various issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Direct democracy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 Woman, 34, Canada<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-medium-font-size has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"in-their-own-words\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-sans-serif-font-family\">In their own words<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below, we have a selection of quotes that describe what people think should be changed in their country to make democracy function better. You can explore the quotes by country or by topic. Quotes are also available <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1T6j7tIXLNCCyAEGDGVC6CydeuClphAK6AOzzcJBc5fg\/edit?usp=sharing\">in their original language<\/a> for select languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-sans-serif-font-family has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Filter by country<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-62e46c20 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-prc-platform-feature-loader\" id=\"js-democracy-open-ends\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 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