In brief
According to a Kettering Foundation-Gallup survey, only about 25% of Americans perceive democracy as performing well. The poll, which surveyed over 20,000 U.S. adults, highlights deep concerns about government responsiveness and democratic institutions, revealing that many feel disconnected from political leadership amid increasing polarization and socio-economic challenges.
A striking new poll reveals that for nearly half of U.S. adults, democracy is seen as functioning “very” or “moderately” poorly. In contrast, only around 25% of respondents believe it is operating “very” or “moderately” well. This marks a significant decline in public perception, as previous decades suggested that the majority of Americans viewed democracy favorably.
The Kettering Foundation-Gallup survey indicates strong support among Americans for democracy as a form of governance, with about two-thirds agreeing it is the best system. However, there is considerable dissatisfaction regarding its implementation, with many expressing doubts about their leaders' commitment to democratic principles and the extent to which government decisions reflect public will.
More than 40% of survey participants feel their leaders do not uphold democratic values, and support for government responsiveness is equally low, with only 25% believing that governmental actions genuinely serve citizens' best interests.
This analysis is based on a survey of over 20,000 U.S. adults, conducted amid heightened political divisions, rapid societal changes, and economic concerns, coinciding with the impending 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The data further shows that dissatisfaction is notably pronounced among Democrats, especially those feeling politically marginalized. Some respondents attribute their pessimism to recent political events, including the January 6 Capitol riots, which they argue reflect a broader disillusionment with democracy.
Compounding this issue is a low level of confidence in American institutions, with no more than one-third indicating that any governmental entity is functioning satisfactorily. Many feel alienated from their elected officials and distrustful that their needs are considered in political decisions.
Despite these issues, there remains a semblance of optimism regarding electoral processes, with most saying that the current administration of elections is adequate and a significant minority believing that the existing voting procedures are accessible to average citizens.
