Democracy in the United States, April 2025

More than three in four Americans (77%) say, when thinking about the issues that divide the nation, there is a serious threat to the future of U.S. democracy. This is up from 73% in January 2025. 22% of U.S. residents currently say there is not a serious threat to the nation’s democracy.

Democrats (91%) and independents (83%) are more likely than Republicans to think there is a serious threat to the future of democracy. But still, a majority of Republicans (56%) have this view.

When thinking about a strong democracy, 84% of Americans believe that the right of individuals to participate in non-violent protests in the United States is alive and well. This is down from 91% in January. 16% of Americans currently either disagree or strongly disagree that this liberty is working well in the United States.

Republicans (88%) are slightly more likely than Democrats (81%) and independents (84%) to think the ability to conduct non-violent protests in the United States is working well. Regardless of party, this marks a decline from January 2025.

Nearly seven in ten Americans (69%), down from 75% previously, either agree or strongly agree that the ability of news organizations to criticize political leaders is functioning well in the United States. 30% either disagree or strongly disagree with this assertion.

41% of Americans find it interesting and informative when they discuss politics with people with whom they disagree. 57% consider it to be stressful and frustrating. A slim majority of Republicans (51%) say these discussions are interesting and informative. This compares with 41% of independents and 31% of Democrats who say the same.