Most Americans Perceive a Divided Nation

In a national survey conducted in partnership with PBS News' Crossroads: A Conversation With America, Americans weigh in on the issues that divide us as a nation.

A Divided America?
When it comes to the issues facing the country, do you think Americans are:
PBS News/Marist Poll National Adults. Interviews conducted September 3rd through September 5th, 2024, n=1,529 MOE +/- 3.2 percentage points. Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.
  • Regardless of demographic group, there is consensus that Americans are mostly or completely divided about the issues facing the country. 79% of Americans, including 80% of registered voters, have this view.

  • Digging deeper, a majority of Americans (55%) believe the nation is mostly divided about the issues facing the country. Nearly one in four (24%) think the nation is completely divided.

  • Republicans (32%) are more likely than independents (22%) and Democrats (18%) to think the nation is completely divided.

  • Close to eight in ten Americans (78%) say the issues that divide the nation prevent the country from moving forward. 19% say they create a healthy debate. Three percent are unsure.

  • Americans in the Silent/Greatest Generation (28%) and GenZ/Millennials (22%) are more likely than other generations to report that the issues that divide the nation foster healthy debate. 17% of GenX and 18% Baby Boomers  agree.

  • Most Americans (82%) say, when thinking about the issues that divide the nation, there is a serious threat to the future of our democracy. 17% do not believe there is a serious threat to the future of our democracy. Democrats (88%) are more likely than independents (79%) and Republicans (77%) to have this view.

  • More than seven in ten Americans (71%) say government officials in Washington, D.C. should compromise to find solutions. 27%, however, think it is better to stand on principle even if it means gridlock.

  • Republicans (40%) are more than twice as likely than Democrats (18%) to say it is better to stand on principle rather than compromise to find solutions. 22% of independents share this view.

Watch Crossroads: A Conversation With America here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/crossroads-a-conversation-with-america-a-pbs-news-special

 

Methodology

This survey of U.S. adults was conducted September 3rd through September 5th, 2024 by the Marist Poll sponsored in partnership with PBS News. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the United States were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for all adults (n=1,529) are statistically significant within ±3.2 percentage points. Results for registered voters (n=1,413) are statistically significant within ±3.3 percentage points.