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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Explore global opinions on political systems by country
How countries around the world view democracy, military rule and other political systems.
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Japanese Divided on Democracy’s Success at Home, but Value Voice of the People
Though Japanese are split on their democracy’s performance, most endorse representative democracy and back referenda on major policy issues.
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Globally, Broad Support for Representative and Direct Democracy
Across the world, a median of 78% say representative democracy is a good way to govern their country. Yet, pro-democracy views coexist with openness to nondemocratic forms of governance.
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Jury duty is rare, but most Americans see it as part of good citizenship
The chances of serving on a jury in any given year are small, but most Americans still see it as part of being a good citizen.
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Public Supports Aim of Making It ‘Easy’ for All Citizens to Vote
As states around the country debate laws regarding access to the ballot – ranging from automatic voter registration to voter ID requirements – most Americans back making it easy for all citizens to vote. But they overwhelmingly reject the idea of requiring people to vote.
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How America Changed During Barack Obama’s Presidency
Pew Research Center President Michael Dimock examines the changes – some profound, some subtle – that the U.S. experienced during Barack Obama’s presidency.
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Trump’s victory another example of how Electoral College wins are bigger than popular vote ones
For the fifth time in U.S. history, and the second time this century, a presidential candidate has won the White House while losing the popular vote.
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More voters will have access to non-English ballots in the next election cycle
New census data show that 263 counties, cities and other jurisdictions in 29 states will now be required to print election ballots in non-English languages.
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Americans still favor ties with Cuba after Castro’s death, U.S. election
Three-quarters of U.S. adults approve of the decision last year to re-establish relations with Cuba, and nearly as many favor ending the trade embargo.
