Poll: Fewer Americans See Democracy as Central to National Identity
A new AP-NORC poll shows declining American belief in the country's exceptionalism and democracy's importance to national identity, particularly among younger adults.
A new poll reveals declining American confidence in their country's exceptionalism and the centrality of democracy to national identity, as the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that only about one-quarter of Americans say the U.S. stands above all other countries in the world, while 44% view it as one of the greatest countries along with some others. About 30% say there are better countries than the U.S., an increase from 19% in a 2016 poll.
Americans are also less likely to view democratically elected government as highly important to the nation's identity. About two-thirds now say this is "extremely" or "very" important, down from 80% in 2021. The decline is particularly pronounced among younger Americans, with only about half of those under 30 believing democracy is key to U.S. identity, compared with 81% of those 60 and older.
The survey reveals widespread skepticism about economic opportunity in America. About 51% of respondents say the American Dream - that hard work leads to success - once held true but no longer does, while only one-third say it still holds true. This pessimism is strongest among younger adults, with only 22% of those under 30 saying the American Dream remains valid, compared with 46% of those 60 and older.
Partisan divisions are evident in the responses. About half of Republicans say the U.S. stands above all other countries, compared with only 7% of Democrats. Similarly, 57% of Republicans say the American Dream still holds true, compared with 17% of Democrats.
Americans also remain divided on whether diversity is essential to the country's identity. Just over half say a shared American culture and values are very important to national identity, down from 65% in 2017. About 51% view the ability of people to immigrate and escape violence or find economic opportunities as central to American identity.
The poll of 2,596 adults was conducted April 16-20 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.