Recent surveys reveal a growing sense of pessimism among Americans regarding the country’s trajectory as it approaches its 250th birthday. An NPR/PBS News/Marist survey conducted in June shows that 32% of Americans are worried about the nation’s state, compared to 22% who feel frustrated, 23% who remain hopeful, and 22% who express pride.
The poll indicates that 82% of respondents view the prospects for the U.S. democracy as facing a ‘serious threat,’ an increase from 78% in February. Only 17% believe no such threat exists.
Pessimism on the 250th Anniversary
The survey, conducted among 1,340 adults from June 8 to June 11, uncovers significant partisan differences. Among Democrats, 65% lack confidence that future generations will fare better, while 62% of independents share this sentiment. Conversely, 55% of Republicans disagree.
National pride also shows a stark divide. A substantial 93% of Republicans express pride in being American, overwhelming the 45% of Democrats who said the same.
A majority, 83%, believe the country has deviated from the ideals of its founders, with only 16%—13% of Democrats and 20% of Republicans—maintaining that America still represents those principles.
Concerning the nation’s future, 37% of people believe potential violence might become necessary to realign the country, including 12% who strongly agree. This marks an increase from October when 11% strongly agreed, and 19% agreed overall.
Growing Unease About America’s Direction
Several surveys echo these sentiments leading up to this year’s Fourth of July. A Pew Research Center poll from December noted that 59% of respondents felt the nation’s ‘best years are behind us,’ with 64% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans agreeing.
An NBC News survey from late May to early June found 58% believe America’s best days are past, while 38% think they lie ahead.
In May, 77% of Gallup respondents concluded that the country’s founders would be ‘disappointed’ with the present state of the nation, an increase from 71% in 2013 and 42% in 2001. Only a minority—13% of Democrats, 25% of Republicans, and 21% of independents—believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be ‘pleased.’
The belief that violence might be necessary is coupled with fears of rising political violence. A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in mid-June reports that 77% of Americans anticipate an increase in political violence in the next five years.
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