Dissatisfaction with democracy remains widespread in many nations
Across 12 high-income countries, a median of 64% of adults say they are dissatisfied with the way their democracy is working, while a median of 35% are satisfied.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Even before Capitol riot, most people in Germany, France and the UK had concerns about U.S. political system
Majorities in all three countries said in a fall 2020 survey that the U.S. system needs either major changes or to be completely reformed.
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Biden Begins Presidency With Positive Ratings; Trump Departs With Lowest-Ever Job Mark
68% of the public does not want Donald Trump to remain a major political figure in the future.
