At the same time, there is broad support for making sweeping changes to the political system: 61% say “significant changes” are needed in the fundamental “design and structure” of American government to make it work for current times. An overwhelming share of the public (84%) says it is very important that “the rights and freedoms of all people are respected.” Yet just 47% say this describes the country very or somewhat well slightly more (53%) say it does not.ĭespite these criticisms, most Americans say democracy is working well in the United States – though relatively few say it is working very well. The perceived shortcomings encompass some of the core elements of American democracy.
And just a third say the phrase “people agree on basic facts even if they disagree politically” describes this country well today. The public’s criticisms of the political system run the gamut, from a failure to hold elected officials accountable to a lack of transparency in government. But for the most part, they see the country falling well short in living up to these ideals, according to a new study of opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of key aspects of American democracy and the political system.
At a time of growing stress on democracy around the world, Americans generally agree on democratic ideals and values that are important for the United States.
