In brief
A Kettering Foundation-Gallup survey reveals that approximately 50% of U.S. adults feel democracy is currently performing poorly. This sentiment has shifted dramatically from decades past. While many agree democracy is the best form of governance, there is widespread belief that political leaders lack commitment to democratic principles and that governmental actions do not reflect the will of the people. Concerns are especially pronounced among Democrats and those facing economic hardships, highlighting a pervasive distrust in political institutions ahead of significant political commemorations.
About half of U.S. adults believe democracy is functioning “very” or “moderately” poorly in the United States, while only around one-quarter think it’s doing “very” or “moderately” well, according to a new poll, marking a sharp decline from several decades ago when majorities thought democracy was generally working the way it should.
The Kettering Foundation-Gallup survey found that about two-thirds of Americans “strongly agree” or “agree” that democracy is the best form of government. Very few disagree, with about one-third saying they don’t have an opinion. But alongside the widespread disappointment in how democracy is working, few believe the country’s leaders are committed to democratic governance or think government decisions reflect the will of the people.
Few U.S. adults doubt their fellow Americans’ commitment to strong democracy, according to the poll, but they’re less certain about their political leadership. More than 4 in 10 Americans do not believe their leaders are committed to having a strong democracy, while about 3 in 10 say they’re not sure.
Meanwhile, only about one-quarter believe government decisions reflect what a majority of people want done or attempt to serve citizens’ best interests.
The poll, part of a project initiated by Gallup and the Kettering Foundation, surveyed over 20,000 U.S. adults during July and August, at a time of significant political upheaval characterized by extreme polarization, rapid social changes, and economic anxiety. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, dissatisfaction with democratic practices grows.
Overall, the sentiment of discontent is higher among Democrats, particularly those whose political party is not in power. Nonetheless, many Americans across the political spectrum express doubts about the efficacy of the government's functions and the representation of citizen interests.
