Americans’ Views of Government: Decades of Distrust, Enduring Support for Its Role
65% say most political candidates run for office “to serve their own personal interests.”
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65% say most political candidates run for office “to serve their own personal interests.”
Only a small share of Americans have heard a lot about redistricting in their state and a majority are not sure how they feel.
Americans remain deeply divided about the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the ongoing congressional investigation into what happened.
We asked respondents in both countries to, in their own words, define what democracy means to them. Most commonly, people mention three broad concepts: freedom and human rights, elections and procedures, and having a voice in government.
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.
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.
Most people view their own government’s record on personal freedoms more favorably than they do when it comes to the U.S. and especially China.
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.
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
Those on the political right are more likely to say there should have been fewer public activity restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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