New survey data published on Friday from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research uncovers an unsettling perspective on American democracy.
A meager one out of every 10 adults in the US assigns a high grade to American democracy, expressing confidence that it effectively represents the majority of its citizens, as indicated by the latest findings.
The research study further reveals that a significant number of participants feel that US legislation and policies are inadequately reflecting the collective desires of Americans. This sentiment is particularly prevalent when it comes to matters related to the economy, firearm regulations, immigration controversies, and the abortion debate.
When the spotlight turns on Congress, the findings are equally bleak, with over half, or 53% of the participants, expressing dissatisfaction with its efforts to uphold democratic ideals. This figure starkly contrasts with the mere 16% who commend the efforts of the national legislature.
Survey results present an overarching pessimism with 49% of respondents asserting that democracy in the US is underperforming. In comparison, only a small fraction, at 10%, regard it as performing “very” or “extremely well.” Meanwhile, 40% of Americans maintain a lukewarm response, stating that it’s working “somewhat well.”
“I don’t think either of them is doing a good job just because of the state of the economy — inflation is killing us,” expressed Michael Brown, a 45-year-old compensation adjuster and parent of two from Bristol, Connecticut. “Right now I’m making as much as I ever have, and I’m struggling as much as I ever have.”
“They’re fighting over something, and it has nothing to do with the economy,” remarked Brown, identifying as a moderate Republican, with reference to the activities of Congress.
“Hunter Biden — what does that have to do with us?” he questioned the relevance of the ongoing GOP-led House probe into Hunter Biden, the son of the current US President, to ordinary Americans like himself.
According to the survey, a considerable 71% of American respondents believe that laws and policies should mirror the majority’s preferences. However, only 48% believe this ideal is achieved in the real world.
When asked about the importance of the Constitution in shaping laws and policies, 68% agreed it “should be important,” whereas only 55% believed it is “actually important.”
The poll also highlighted that over half, or 53%, of American respondents feel that their opinions, and those of people in similar circumstances, aren’t adequately represented by the government. A meager 35% feel their perspectives are somewhat well-represented, and an even smaller 12% believe they are represented “very or extremely well.”
Partisan divides are also evident, with around 60% of Republicans and Independents feeling underrepresented by the government, compared to roughly 40% of Democrats expressing the same sentiment.
Interestingly, the poll found that Americans are less preoccupied with voting laws and ballot counting procedures. Instead, they are more focused on the outcomes of democracy. This is despite ongoing efforts by allies of former US President Donald Trump to perpetuate unfounded claims about the 2020 presidential election being rigged, with some even instigating legal actions.
“In California, I kind of feel that I throw my vote away every time, and this is just what you get,” stated Mark Short, a 63-year-old retired businessman and Republican.
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