Widespread Concerns About Nation’s Direction
Recent polling highlights a significant level of concern among Americans regarding the country’s future. An NPR/PBS News/Marist survey conducted in June shows that 32 percent of Americans feel worried about the United States as it marks its 250th anniversary. In contrast, 22 percent report feeling frustrated, 23 percent hopeful, and 22 percent proud. Furthermore, 82 percent perceive a ‘serious threat’ to democracy, a rise from 78 percent in February. Only 17 percent believe no such threat exists.
Partisan Divisions Observed in National Sentiment
Polling conducted with 1,340 adults between June 8 and June 11 reveals pronounced partisan differences in outlooks on the country’s future. Among Democrats, 65 percent doubt that future generations will be better off, compared to 55 percent of Republicans who express confidence. In terms of national pride, 93 percent of Republicans feel proud to be American, more than double the 45 percent of Democrats who share this sentiment.
Shifts Away from Founders’ Ideals
Eighty-three percent of those surveyed believe the nation has moved away from the ideals of its founders. Only 16 percent, including 13 percent of Democrats and 20 percent of Republicans, think the U.S. largely upholds those principles. In a concerning trend, nearly four-in-ten (37 percent) suggest that violence might be necessary to realign the country, marking an increase from the last inquiry in October, where 11 percent strongly agreed and another 19 percent agreed.
Ongoing Unease About Nation’s Path
This apprehension is consistent with previous surveys. A Pew Research Center poll from December finds that 59 percent believe the nation’s greatest years are past, with more Democrats (64 percent) than Republicans (53 percent) agreeing. An NBC News survey from late May to early June reports 58 percent feeling the country’s best days are behind, versus 38 percent anticipating they lie ahead.
Moreover, a May Gallup survey indicates that 77 percent think the Founding Fathers would be ‘disappointed’ with the current state of the nation, up from 71 percent in 2013. A mere 13 percent of Democrats, 25 percent of Republicans, and 21 percent of independents believe the signers of the Declaration would be ‘pleased’ with today’s United States.
Concerns About Political Violence
Amid growing belief that violence might be necessary for reform, fear of future political violence is increasing. A Reuters/Ipsos survey from mid-June finds that 77 percent of Americans expect a rise in political violence in the coming five years.