8 ways that U.S.-style democracy stands out globally
As the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year, here are eight ways its political system stands apart from the world’s other 105 democracies.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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About a third of U.S. Democrats like political leaders who identify as democratic socialists
Democrats’ views on democratic socialists also differ by race and ethnicity, age, education, income and political engagement.
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On the Country’s 250th Anniversary, the American People Are in a Sour Mood
Still, many express some optimism: Most people say they feel “hopeful” and 54% say they’re “happy” when thinking about the future.
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Americans are more dissatisfied with how their democracy is working than people in other high-income countries
A large majority of Democrats (86%) are dissatisfied with how American democracy is working. Around half of Republicans (51%) say the same.
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Right-Wing Populism in the Decade Since Brexit
Since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union, right-wing populists and their parties have regularly disrupted Europe’s political landscape.
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A majority of Americans say the country’s best years are behind us
Americans are also much more pessimistic (44%) than optimistic (28%) when asked to think about what things will be like in the U.S. 50 years from now.
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Americans stand out internationally for their pessimism about the nation’s political system
People in higher-income countries are generally less likely to say their nation’s political system needs major changes or complete reform. Americans are an exception.
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Multiple indicators show a decline in the health of America’s democracy in 2025
Most Americans say democracy in the United States used to be a good example for other countries to follow but has not been in recent years.
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How often does the Supreme Court overturn its own decisions?
Fewer than 1% of Supreme Court cases have overturned an older decision. More than half of these cases concerned economic activity or criminal procedure.
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The United States at 250: How the Country Has Changed in the Past 50 Years
As America turns 250, explore how demographics, work, family and economics have shifted since 1976, based on 50 years of Census data.
