72% of Americans say the U.S. used to be a good example of democracy, but isn’t anymore
A median of 40% of adults across 34 other countries surveyed in 2024 say U.S. democracy used to be a good example for other countries to follow.
Democracy
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Fresh data delivery Saturday mornings
All
Democracy
Publications
Displaying 1-10 of ? results
Filtering by:
Reset
-
Global Public Opinion in an Era of Democratic Anxiety
As democratic nations have wrestled with economic, social and geopolitical upheaval in recent years, the future of liberal democracy has come into question. Our international surveys reveal key insights into how citizens think about democratic governance.
-
The Future of Digital Spaces and Their Role in Democracy
Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.
-
What People Around the World Like – and Dislike – About American Society and Politics
The U.S. is seen positively in advanced economies for its technology, entertainment, military and universities, but negatively for its health care system, discrimination and the state of its democracy.
-
Citizens in Advanced Economies Want Significant Changes to Their Political Systems
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
-
Wide partisan divide on whether voting is a fundamental right or a privilege with responsibilities
57% of Americans view voting as “a fundamental right for every adult U.S. citizen and should not be restricted in any way.”
-
More U.S. locations experimenting with alternative voting systems
We identified 261 U.S. jurisdictions that have adopted some voting method other than the winner-take-all system most American voters know.
-
Many Western Europeans think mandatory voting is important, but Americans are split
Around two-thirds of adults in Germany, France and the UK say it is important for their national government to make voting compulsory.
-
Share of Republicans saying ‘everything possible’ should be done to make voting easy declines sharply
An 85% majority of Democrats say everything possible should be done to make voting easy; 28% of Republicans say this.
-
Many in U.S., Western Europe Say Their Political System Needs Major Reform
In the U.S., concerns about political corruption are especially widespread. Two-in-three Americans agree that the phrase “most politicians are corrupt” describes their country well.
-
Large Majority of the Public Views Prosecution of Capitol Rioters as ‘Very Important’
Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to say prosecuting those who broke in on Jan. 6 is very important and that penalties for them will likely be less severe than they should be.
REFINE YOUR SELECTION
Date
Years
Formats
Regions & Countries
Topics
Research Teams
Authors
© 2024 Pew Research Center