---
title: "More Americans Prefer Elected Officials Who Compromise"
description: "The number of Americans who say they like elected officials who make compromises is up 10 points since 2011. "
date: "2013-02-07"
authors:
  - name: "Pew Research Center"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/02/07/more-americans-prefer-elected-officials-who-compromise/"
---

# More Americans Prefer Elected Officials Who Compromise

![](https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/01/1-17-13-6.png)

After a series of bruising political battles over the past few years, the public’s desire for political compromise in Washington has increased notably. In March 2011, soon after Republicans gained a majority in the House, 54% said they liked elected officials who stuck to their positions, while 40% liked politicians who made compromises with people they disagreed with. Today, 50% say they like leaders who compromise, and 44% like those who stick to their positions.

The percentages of Democrats and independents saying they prefer politicians who compromise has increased over the past two years. Currently, 59% of Democrats say they like elected officials who make compromises, up from 46% in March 2011. Similarly, there has been a 12-point increase in the percentage of independents expressing a preference for politicians who compromise (from 41% to 53%).

By contrast, Republicans’ opinions are largely unchanged from two years ago. Currently, 55% say they like elected officials who stick to their positions compared with 36% who like elected officials who make compromises. Among conservative Republicans, about twice as many prefer politicians who stick to their positions than those who compromise (60% vs. 31%). [Read more](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2013/01/17/obama-in-strong-position-at-start-of-second-term/)