AP-NORC Poll: Fewer Americans View Democracy as Central to National Identity
A new AP-NORC poll finds that only about two-thirds of Americans now consider a democratically elected government highly important to U.S. national identity, down from 80% in 2021. The survey also found declining belief in American exceptionalism, with roughly 3 in 10 Americans saying other countries are better than the U.S., up from 19% in 2016. The findings arrive as the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, raising questions about the health of civic identity and public confidence in democratic institutions.
An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released June 8, 2025 reveals significant erosion in Americans' attachment to democratic governance as a defining national characteristic. Approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults now rate a democratically elected government as extremely or very important to the country's identity, compared to 80% who said the same in 2021. Belief in American exceptionalism has also declined, with only about one-quarter of respondents saying the U.S. stands above all other nations, while 44% place it among the greatest countries alongside others. The share saying better countries exist has grown from 19% in 2016 to roughly 30% today. Americans also remain divided on whether diversity is an essential feature of national identity, and consensus on other foundational values appears to be weakening. The poll highlights particular unease among younger Americans about the future of representative government. The results come as communities across the country prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.
What's missing
The poll's full methodology, sample size, and margin of error are not detailed in the article, which limits the ability to assess the statistical significance of the reported changes. Additionally, the article does not explore whether the decline in valuing democratic governance reflects disillusionment with current officeholders versus a deeper ideological shift away from democratic principles.
How coverage differed
The AP, as the sole identified source, framed the findings in a relatively neutral, data-driven manner while still emphasizing the contrast with the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration, lending the story a subtly cautionary tone. No competing framing from other outlets is available in the provided sources.
What different sources said
- AP NewsCenter
Fewer Americans say democracy is central to country’s identity, AP-NORC poll finds
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