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August 20, 2026

Representative Democracy Remains a Popular Ideal, but People Around the World Are Critical of How It’s Working

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Representative Democracy Remains a Popular Ideal, but People Around the World Are Critical of How It’s Working
Many around the world say policies would improve if more women, people from poor backgrounds and young adults were in office
In the U.S., partisans prefer different demographic traits and backgrounds for elected officials
Ideological differences over what would improve representation
Satisfaction with democracy and views of political leaders and parties across 24 countries, as of spring 2023
Those in the ideological center are least likely to feel represented by parties
Most do not believe elected officials care what people like them think
Support for rule by experts has grown in many countries surveyed since 2017
Support for rule by a strong leader has increased in 8 surveyed countries
Fewer people now say representative democracy is a very good way to govern in many countries surveyed
Support for different types of government across 24 nations