{"id":45945,"date":"2023-09-19T11:55:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T16:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/"},"modified":"2024-12-20T13:29:28","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T18:29:28","slug":"the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/","title":{"rendered":"1. The biggest problems and greatest strengths of the U.S. political system"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public sees a number of specific problems with American politics. Partisan fighting, the high cost of political campaigns, and the outsize influence of special interests and lobbyists are each seen as characteristic of the U.S. political system by at least 84% of Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet 63% also say that \u201cordinary Americans care about making the political system work well\u201d is a good description of U.S. politics today. Still, when asked to describe a strength of the political system in their own words, more than half either say \u201cnothing\u201d (22%) or decline to give an answer (34%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"americans-view-negative-statements-as-better-descriptions-of-the-political-system-than-positive-ones\">Americans view negative statements as better descriptions of the political system than positive ones<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-57838\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/pp_2023-09-19_views-of-politics_01-01-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eae8e0\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eae8e0;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" height=\"464\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?w=420\" alt=\"Chart shows widely shared criticisms of politics: Partisan fights, costly campaigns, influence of special interests\" class=\"wp-image-57838 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png 840w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=272,300 272w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=768,848 768w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=367,405 367w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=200,221 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=260,287 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=310,342 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=420,464 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=640,707 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=740,818 740w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=160,177 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-01.png?resize=320,354 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than eight-in-ten adults say that each of the following is at least a somewhat good description of the U.S. political system today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems (86%);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost of political campaigns makes it hard for good people to run for office (85%);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Special interest groups and lobbyists have too much say in what happens in politics (84%).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About six-in-ten (63%) think ordinary Americans want to make the political system work well. This is the rare positive sentiment that a majority views as a good descriptor of the political system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fewer than half of adults hold the view that the government deserves more credit than it gets: Majorities say that \u201cthe federal government does more for ordinary Americans than people give it credit for\u201d (59%) and \u201cCongress accomplishes more than people give it credit for\u201d (65%) are both <em>bad<\/em> descriptions of the political system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nearly seven-in-ten adults express frustration with the availability of unbiased information about politics: 68% say the statement \u201cit is easy to find unbiased information about what is happening in politics\u201d is not a good description of the political system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And just 22% of Americans say that political leaders facing consequences for acting unethically is a good description of the political system. They are more than three times as likely to say that this is a bad description (76% say this).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"many-critiques-of-the-political-system-are-bipartisan\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Many critiques of the political system are bipartisan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Partisans have similar views of many of the descriptions of the political system included in the survey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-57840\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/pp_2023-09-19_views-of-politics_01-02-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeeded\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeeded;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" height=\"471\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?w=420\" alt=\"Chart shows Partisans largely agree in views of many problems with the political system\" class=\"wp-image-57840 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png 840w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=268,300 268w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=768,861 768w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=361,405 361w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=200,224 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=260,292 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=310,348 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=420,471 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=640,718 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=740,830 740w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=160,179 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-02.png?resize=320,359 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overwhelming majorities in both parties think there is too much partisan fighting, campaigns cost too much, and lobbyists and special interests have too much say in politics. And just 24% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents and 20% of Republicans and Republican leaners say that political leaders face consequences if they act unethically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The widest partisan gap is over a description of the federal government. Democrats are roughly twice as likely as Republicans to say \u201cthe federal government does more for ordinary Americans than people give it credit for\u201d (54% vs. 26%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a narrower gap in views of Congress\u2019 accomplishments: 37% of Democrats and 28% of Republicans say it accomplishes more than people give it credit for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Democrats are also more likely to say, \u201cIt is easy to find unbiased information about what is happening in politics\u201d (36% of Democrats and 25% of Republicans say this is a good description of the political system today), while Republicans are slightly more likely than Democrats to view ordinary Americans as wanting to make the political system work well (67% of Republicans and 61% of Democrats say this is a good description).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;in-their-own-words-americans-on-the-political-system-s-biggest-problems&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-their-own-words-americans-on-the-political-system-s-biggest-problems\">In their own words: Americans on the political system\u2019s biggest problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-57847\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/pp_2023-09-19_views-of-politics_01-03-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeece4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeece4;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" height=\"553\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?w=310\" alt=\"Chart shows roughly a third of Americans say \u2018politicians\u2019 are the biggest problem with the political system today\" class=\"wp-image-57847 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png 620w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=168,300 168w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=574,1024 574w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=227,405 227w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=200,357 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=260,464 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=310,553 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=420,749 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=160,285 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-03.png?resize=320,571 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked to describe in their own words the biggest problem with the political system in the U.S. today, Americans point to a wide range of factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Negative characteristics attributed to politicians and political leaders are a common complaint: 31% of U.S. adults say politicians are the biggest problem with the system, including 15% who point to greed or corruption and 7% who cite dishonesty or a lack of trustworthiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest problem, according to one woman in her 50s, is that politicians are \u201chiding the truth and fulfilling their own agendas.\u201d Similarly, a man in his 30s says, \u201cThey don\u2019t work for the people. They are too corrupt and busy filling their pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-420-wide has-beige-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explore-more-voices-the-political-system-s-biggest-problems\">Explore more voices: The political system\u2019s biggest problems<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What do you see as the biggest problem with the political system in the U.S. today?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAn almost total lack of credibility and trust. Coupled with a media that\u2019s so biased, that they\u2019ve lost all objectivity.\u201d \u2013Man, 70s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLying about intentions or not following through with what elected officials said they would do.\u201d \u2013Woman, 20s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBlind faith in political figures.\u201d \u2013Woman, 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur elected officials would rather play political games than serve the needs of their constituents.\u201d \u2013Woman, 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSame politicians in office too long.\u201d \u2013Woman, 30s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cExtremism on both sides exploited by the mainstream media for ratings. It is making it impossible for both parties to work together.\u201d \u2013Man, 30s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt has become too polarized. No one is willing to compromise or be moderate.\u201d \u2013Woman, 40s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cToo much money in politics coming from large corporations and special interest.\u201d \u2013Man, 30s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe people have no say in important matters, we have NO representation at all. Our lawmakers are isolated and could care less what we want.\u201d \u2013Man, 60s<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About two-in-ten adults cite deep divisions between the parties as the biggest problem with the U.S. political system, with respondents describing a lack of cooperation between the parties or among elected leaders in Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBoth of the political parties are so busy trying to stop the other party, they are wasting their opportunities to solve the problems faced by our nation,\u201d in the view of one man in his 70s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even as some blame polarization, others (10% of respondents) identify the other party as the system\u2019s biggest problem. Some Republicans say that the biggest problem is \u201cDemocrats\u201d while some Democrats simply say \u201cRepublicans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smaller but substantial shares of adults name the media and political discourse (9%), the influence of money in politics (7%), government\u2019s perceived failures (6%), specific policy areas and issues (6%) or problems with elections and voting (4%) as the biggest problem with the political system today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;in-their-own-words-americans-on-the-political-system-s-biggest-strengths&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-their-own-words-americans-on-the-political-system-s-biggest-strengths\">In their own words: Americans on the political system\u2019s biggest strengths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-57851\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/pp_2023-09-19_views-of-politics_01-04-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"edebe3\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #edebe3;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" height=\"519\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?w=310\" alt=\"Chart shows those who see strengths in the U.S. political system often cite constitutional principles, democratic values\" class=\"wp-image-57851 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png 620w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=179,300 179w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=612,1024 612w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=242,405 242w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=200,335 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=260,435 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=310,519 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=420,703 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=160,268 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-04.png?resize=320,536 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Far fewer adults name a specific strength of the political system today when asked to describe the system\u2019s biggest strength in their own words. More than half either say that the system lacks a biggest strength (22%) or decline to answer (34%). As one woman in her 60s writes, \u201cI\u2019m not seeing any strengths!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among those who do identify strengths of the U.S. political system, the structure of political institutions and the principles that define the constitutional order are named most frequently (by 12% of respondents). Many respondents specifically point to the Constitution itself or refer to the separation of powers or the checks and balances created by the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A man in his 20s believes that the \u201cseparation of powers and federalism work pretty well,\u201d while one in his 30s writes that the system\u2019s greatest strength is \u201cthe checks and balances to make sure that monumental changes aren\u2019t made unilaterally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright is-style-callout is-style-420-wide has-beige-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explore-more-voices-the-political-system-s-biggest-strengths\">Explore more voices: The political system\u2019s biggest strengths<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What do you see as the biggest strength of the U.S. political system today?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEveryone getting a say; democracy.\u201d \u2013Woman, 40s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe right to have your opinions heard.\u201d \u2013Man, 60s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn spite of our differences, we are still a democracy, and I believe there are people within our government who still care and are interested in the betterment of our country.\u201d \u2013Woman, 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe freedom of speech and religion\u201d \u2013Woman, 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf we have fair, honest elections we can vote out the corruption and\/or incompetent politicians.\u201d \u2013Man, 70s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Constitution.\u201d \u2013Man, 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe checks and balances to control the power of any office. The voice of the people and the options to remove an official from office.\u201d \u2013Man, 60s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNew, younger voices in government.\u201d \u2013Woman, 40s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf we can\u2019t get more bipartisanship we\u2019ll become weaker. Our biggest strength is our working together.\u201d \u2013Woman, 60s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe way that every two years the people get to make their voice heard.\u201d \u2013Man, 30s<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About one-in-ten (9%) refer to individual freedoms and related democratic values, while a similar share (8%) discuss the right to vote and the existence of free elections. A woman in her 70s echoes many similar comments when she points to \u201cthe possibility of change in upcoming elections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, even some of the descriptions of positive characteristics of the system are couched in respondents\u2019 doubts about the way the system is working today. One woman in her 50s adds a qualification to what she views as the system\u2019s biggest strength, saying, \u201cTheoretically every voter has a say.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smaller shares of the public point to the positive characteristics of some politicians (4%) or the positive characteristics of the American people (4%) as reasons for optimism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;are-there-clear-solutions-to-the-nation-s-problems&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"are-there-clear-solutions-to-the-nation-s-problems\">Are there clear solutions to the nation\u2019s problems?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public remains roughly evenly split over whether there are clear solutions to the biggest issues facing the country. Half of Americans today say there are clear solutions to most of the big issues facing the country, while about as many (48%) say most big issues don\u2019t have clear solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-57854\" href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/pp_2023-09-19_views-of-politics_01-05-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"f0ece1\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #f0ece1;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" height=\"646\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?w=310\" alt=\"Chart shows Americans are split over whether there are clear solutions to big national issues\" class=\"wp-image-57854 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png 620w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=144,300 144w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=491,1024 491w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=194,405 194w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=200,417 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=260,542 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=310,646 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=420,875 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=154,320 154w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_01-05.png?resize=307,640 307w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are relatively modest demographic and political differences in perceptions of whether the solutions to the nations\u2019 problems are clear or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"gender\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gender<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While both men and women are relatively divided on this question, women are 6 percentage points more likely to think the big issues facing the country don\u2019t have clear solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"race-and-ethnicity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Race and ethnicity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While 43% of Hispanic adults and about half of Black (50%) and White (48%) adults say there aren\u2019t clear solutions for most big issues, that rises to 62% among Asian adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"age\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Age<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Age differences on this question are modest, but those under 30 are slightly more likely than those 30 and older to say most big issues have clear solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"partisanship-and-political-engagement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Partisanship and political engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Republicans and Democrats are relatively split on this question, though Republicans are slightly more likely to say there are clear solutions to most big issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those with higher levels of political engagement are more likely to say there are clear solutions to most big issues facing the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About six-in-ten adults with high levels of political engagement (61%) say there are clear solutions to big issues today, compared with half of those with medium levels of engagement and 41% of those with lower engagement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The public sees a number of specific problems with American politics. Partisan fighting, the high cost of political campaigns, and the outsize influence of special interests and lobbyists are each seen as characteristic of the U.S. political system by at least 84% of Americans. Yet 63% also say that \u201cordinary Americans care about making the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":581,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","sub_headline":"","sub_title":"","_prc_public_revisions":[],"_ppp_expiration_hours":0,"_ppp_enabled":false,"ai_generated_summary":"","bylines":[],"acknowledgements":[],"displayBylines":true,"prc_watchers":[],"relatedPosts":[],"reportMaterials":[],"multiSectionReport":[],"package_parts__enabled":false,"package_parts":[],"_prc_fork_parent":0,"_prc_fork_status":"","_prc_active_fork":0,"datacite_doi":"","datacite_doi_citation":"","_prc_seo_qr_attachment_id":0,"spoken_article_player_enabled":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,60,426,51,80,109,87,56,421,418,83,77],"tags":[],"bylines":[],"collection":[],"datasets":[2442],"level_of_effort":[],"primary_audience":[],"information_type":[],"_post_visibility":[],"formats":[458],"_fund_pool":[],"languages":[],"regions-countries":[],"research-teams":[520],"workflow-status":[],"class_list":["post-45945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-congress","category-democracy","category-election-2024","category-election-system-voting-process","category-federal-government","category-national-conditions","category-political-animosity","category-political-discourse","category-political-parties","category-political-polarization","category-state_local_government","category-trust-in-government","datasets-american-trends-panel-wave-129","formats-report","research-teams-politics"],"label":false,"post_parent":45921,"word_count":1707,"canonical_url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/","art_direction":{"A1":{"id":57879,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png?w=564&h=317&crop=1","width":564,"height":317,"caption":"","chartArt":false},"A2":{"id":57879,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png?w=268&h=151&crop=1","width":268,"height":151,"caption":"","chartArt":false},"A3":{"id":57879,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png?w=194&h=110&crop=1","width":194,"height":110,"caption":"","chartArt":false},"A4":{"id":57879,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png?w=268&h=151&crop=1","width":268,"height":151,"caption":"","chartArt":false},"XL":{"id":57879,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png?w=720&h=405&crop=1","width":720,"height":405,"caption":"","chartArt":false},"social":{"id":57879,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_23.09.18_Representation_feature.png?w=1200&h=628&crop=1","width":1200,"height":628,"caption":"","chartArt":false}},"_embeds":[],"watchers":[],"table_of_contents":[{"id":45921,"title":"Americans\u2019 Dismal Views of the Nation\u2019s Politics","slug":"americans-dismal-views-of-the-nations-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/americans-dismal-views-of-the-nations-politics\/","is_active":false},{"id":45945,"title":"1. The biggest problems and greatest strengths of the U.S. political system","slug":"the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/","is_active":true},{"id":45937,"title":"2. Views of the U.S. political system, the federal government and federal-state relations","slug":"views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations\/","is_active":false},{"id":45905,"title":"3. How Americans view Congress, the president, state and local political leaders","slug":"how-americans-view-congress-the-president-state-and-local-political-leaders","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/how-americans-view-congress-the-president-state-and-local-political-leaders\/","is_active":false},{"id":45930,"title":"4. The Republican and Democratic parties","slug":"the-republican-and-democratic-parties","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-republican-and-democratic-parties\/","is_active":false},{"id":45915,"title":"5. Money, power and the influence of ordinary people in American politics","slug":"money-power-and-the-influence-of-ordinary-people-in-american-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/money-power-and-the-influence-of-ordinary-people-in-american-politics\/","is_active":false},{"id":45953,"title":"6. Evaluations of members of Congress and the biggest problem with elected officials today","slug":"evaluations-of-members-of-congress-and-the-biggest-problem-with-elected-officials-today","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/evaluations-of-members-of-congress-and-the-biggest-problem-with-elected-officials-today\/","is_active":false},{"id":45969,"title":"7. Candidate quality and what drives elected officials to run for office","slug":"candidate-quality-and-what-drives-elected-officials-to-run-for-office","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/candidate-quality-and-what-drives-elected-officials-to-run-for-office\/","is_active":false},{"id":45972,"title":"8. The presidency and presidential politics","slug":"the-presidency-and-presidential-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-presidency-and-presidential-politics\/","is_active":false},{"id":45966,"title":"9. How well the major parties represent Americans, the public\u2019s feelings about more political parties","slug":"how-well-the-major-parties-represent-americans-the-publics-feelings-about-more-political-parties","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/how-well-the-major-parties-represent-americans-the-publics-feelings-about-more-political-parties\/","is_active":false},{"id":45950,"title":"10. How Americans view proposals to change the political system","slug":"how-americans-view-proposals-to-change-the-political-system","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/how-americans-view-proposals-to-change-the-political-system\/","is_active":false},{"id":45959,"title":"11. Americans\u2019 feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse","slug":"americans-feelings-about-politics-polarization-and-the-tone-of-political-discourse","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/americans-feelings-about-politics-polarization-and-the-tone-of-political-discourse\/","is_active":false},{"id":45956,"title":"Acknowledgments","slug":"views-of-politics-acknowledgments","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/views-of-politics-acknowledgments\/","is_active":false},{"id":45963,"title":"Methodology","slug":"views-of-politics-methodology","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/views-of-politics-methodology\/","is_active":false}],"report_materials":[{"key":"_twq97cnwh","type":"topline","attachmentId":57878,"url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_TOPLINE.pdf","label":"","icon":""},{"key":"_uhv68k3dx","type":"report","attachmentId":57884,"url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/09\/PP_2023.09.19_views-of-politics_REPORT.pdf","label":"","icon":""},{"type":"dataset","id":2442,"label":"American Trends Panel Wave 129","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/dataset\/american-trends-panel-wave-129\/"},{"type":"dataset","id":2443,"label":"American Trends Panel Wave 130","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/dataset\/american-trends-panel-wave-130\/"}],"report_pagination":{"current_post":{"id":45945,"title":"1. The biggest problems and greatest strengths of the U.S. political system","slug":"the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/","is_active":true,"page_num":2},"next_post":{"id":45937,"title":"2. Views of the U.S. political system, the federal government and federal-state relations","slug":"views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations\/","is_active":false,"page_num":3},"previous_post":{"id":45921,"title":"Americans\u2019 Dismal Views of the Nation\u2019s Politics","slug":"americans-dismal-views-of-the-nations-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/americans-dismal-views-of-the-nations-politics\/","is_active":false,"page_num":1},"pagination_items":[{"id":45921,"title":"Americans\u2019 Dismal Views of the Nation\u2019s Politics","slug":"americans-dismal-views-of-the-nations-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/americans-dismal-views-of-the-nations-politics\/","is_active":false,"page_num":1},{"id":45945,"title":"1. The biggest problems and greatest strengths of the U.S. political system","slug":"the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-biggest-problems-and-greatest-strengths-of-the-u-s-political-system\/","is_active":true,"page_num":2},{"id":45937,"title":"2. Views of the U.S. political system, the federal government and federal-state relations","slug":"views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/views-of-the-u-s-political-system-the-federal-government-and-federal-state-relations\/","is_active":false,"page_num":3},{"id":45905,"title":"3. How Americans view Congress, the president, state and local political leaders","slug":"how-americans-view-congress-the-president-state-and-local-political-leaders","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/how-americans-view-congress-the-president-state-and-local-political-leaders\/","is_active":false,"page_num":4},{"id":45930,"title":"4. The Republican and Democratic parties","slug":"the-republican-and-democratic-parties","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-republican-and-democratic-parties\/","is_active":false,"page_num":5},{"id":45915,"title":"5. Money, power and the influence of ordinary people in American politics","slug":"money-power-and-the-influence-of-ordinary-people-in-american-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/money-power-and-the-influence-of-ordinary-people-in-american-politics\/","is_active":false,"page_num":6},{"id":45953,"title":"6. Evaluations of members of Congress and the biggest problem with elected officials today","slug":"evaluations-of-members-of-congress-and-the-biggest-problem-with-elected-officials-today","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/evaluations-of-members-of-congress-and-the-biggest-problem-with-elected-officials-today\/","is_active":false,"page_num":7},{"id":45969,"title":"7. Candidate quality and what drives elected officials to run for office","slug":"candidate-quality-and-what-drives-elected-officials-to-run-for-office","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/candidate-quality-and-what-drives-elected-officials-to-run-for-office\/","is_active":false,"page_num":8},{"id":45972,"title":"8. The presidency and presidential politics","slug":"the-presidency-and-presidential-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/the-presidency-and-presidential-politics\/","is_active":false,"page_num":9},{"id":45966,"title":"9. How well the major parties represent Americans, the public\u2019s feelings about more political parties","slug":"how-well-the-major-parties-represent-americans-the-publics-feelings-about-more-political-parties","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/how-well-the-major-parties-represent-americans-the-publics-feelings-about-more-political-parties\/","is_active":false,"page_num":10},{"id":45950,"title":"10. How Americans view proposals to change the political system","slug":"how-americans-view-proposals-to-change-the-political-system","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/politics\/2023\/09\/19\/how-americans-view-proposals-to-change-the-political-system\/","is_active":false,"page_num":11},{"id":45959,"title":"11. 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