Among other findings, 70% say nation is more turbulent than average compared with other periods in its history
By Alan Wooten, The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Sampling 1,000 adults nationwide ahead of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, a poll released Tuesday finds 68% are proud to be American and 69% believe signers of the Declaration of Independence would feel more disappointment than pride about modern American democracy.
The Elon University Poll finds 80% saying no political party or movement represents their views; 79% say the United States plays a uniquely important role in world history; and 70% say America is more turbulent than average compared with other periods in its history. The findings include 68% who say elected officials are worse today than leaders of the past; 68% say America will be more politically divided in 2076; and 64% have little to no confidence U.S. political institutions will make mostly good decisions over the next 50 years.
“We found several points of optimism among Americans, including pride in being American and belief that the United States has a uniquely important role in world history,” said Dr. Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll and professor of political science and public policy. “At the same time, many Americans expressed significant concern about the health of American democracy today, and the country is split on its outlook over the next 50 years.”