February 9, 2024 – Americans remain emotionally attached to the United States, but many are increasingly skeptical about whether the country is living up to its democratic ideals. New data collected by Angus Reid finds a nation that still inspires pride, even as large majorities question whether fairness, rights, and political power are weakening.
Pride endures — but optimism is limited
More than half of Americans (54%) say the description “a country I’m proud to live in” accurately reflects the U.S. they know. Pride is especially strong among older Americans — fully two-thirds (67%) of those aged 55 and older say this description fits — compared to just 42 per cent of those under 35.
That pride, however, does not translate into confidence about the country’s direction. Just 16 per cent believe the U.S. is “on the right track,” while more than two-thirds (68%) explicitly say this is an inaccurate description. Younger Americans are particularly pessimistic, with fewer than one-in-five agreeing the country is headed in the right direction.
Prosperity acknowledged, care and governance questioned
Nearly half of Americans (49%) say the U.S. remains a prosperous country, though that view is far from universal. Higher-income Americans are much more likely to see prosperity as an accurate description than those earning under $50,000.
Other attributes fare far worse. Only three-in-ten (30%) say the U.S. is a caring society, while a majority (55%) say that description does not reflect reality. Fewer still (26%) believe the U.S. has a good system of government; six-in-ten (62%) say this claim is inaccurate.
Confidence in America’s global role is also mixed. One-third (34%) say the U.S. is a positive player in world affairs, while 45 per cent disagree — a view especially common among younger adults.
Democracy seen as weakening, not strengthening
Across a range of democratic principles, Americans are far more likely to say conditions are getting worse rather than better.
• Free and fair elections: Just 19 per cent say these are growing stronger, while 56 per cent believe they are weakening
• Human rights protections: 22 per cent say they are strengthening; 55 per cent say they are eroding
• Power invested in the people: Only 14 per cent see improvement, while nearly two-thirds (64%) say this is weakening
• Rule of law applying equally: 15 per cent say this is improving; 69 per cent say it is getting weaker
Older Americans are especially likely to see democratic decline. Among those aged 55 and over, nearly three-quarters say the rule of law is weakening, compared to roughly two-thirds of younger adults.
Partisan divide: two Americas, two diagnoses
Views diverge sharply depending on how Americans voted in 2020.
Those who supported Donald Trump are far more likely to view the country through a positive lens. More than two-thirds (68%) of Trump voters say the U.S. is a country they are proud to live in, compared to 46 per cent of Biden voters. Trump voters are also significantly more likely to say the U.S. is prosperous and that its values align with their own.
By contrast, Biden voters express much deeper concern about democratic health. Large majorities say free and fair elections, human rights, the rule of law, and the idea that power rests with the people are all weakening. Among Trump voters, concern exists as well — particularly around elections — but is less uniform across measures.
Notably, even among Trump voters, pessimism outweighs optimism on most democratic indicators, suggesting shared anxiety even amid partisan disagreement.
Survey Methodology:
Angus Reid conducted a second online survey from Jan. 9-12, 2024 among a representative randomized sample of 1,178 American adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum USA. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
For detailed results by age, gender, region, education, and other demographics, click here.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Shachi Kurl, President: shachi.kurl@angusreid.us @shachikurl
Dave Korzinski, Research Director: 250.899.0821 dave.korzinski@angusreid.us @davekorzinski