Most independents are not all that “independent” politically. And the small share of Americans who are truly independent stand out for their low level of interest in politics.

Majorities of Americans say the tone of political debate in the country has become more negative, less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive in recent years.

The gender gap in party identification remains the widest in a quarter century.

Partisanship remains the strongest factor dividing the American public. Yet there are substantial divisions within both parties on fundamental political values, views of current issues and the severity of the problems facing the nation.