Summary
A survey of several thousand American adults found overwhelming discontent with the current political system. Only four percent of respondents said the system was working “extremely” or “very” well, compared to sixty-three percent who believed it to be working poorly. This dissatisfaction was common across parties, age groups, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Common sources of complaint included historically low trust in government, overlong campaign cycles, inconsistencies between the rights available in different states, federal government overreach, and low candidate quality in general (although most voters rated their own elected officials favorably, especially at the state and local levels).
Negative emotions abound. When asked to describe their perceptions of U.S. politics in a single word or phrase, about eight in ten Americans responded with something negative—such as “divisive,” “corrupt,” “exhausted,” and “angry.” The primary problems respondents identified were “politicians” (31%), “polarization” (22%), and the opposing party (10%). When naming strengths of the political system, more than half of respondents said “nothing” or declined to give an answer.
While most Americans value the opportunity to vote, they feel poorly represented by their elected officials. Respondents said that voting is the most effective means of political participation, with most rating substantive representation (that a candidate shares their views on political issues) as much more important than descriptive representation (that a candidate shares their identity or background). But the perceived influence of voting decreases by age group; barely over half of 18-to-29-year-olds view voting as an effective way to bring about positive change. And 85% of adults expressed that elected officials do not care what people like them think and are instead overly partial to campaign donors, lobbyists, and large employers in their district. Significant majorities in both parties support restrictions on the influence of money in elections and believe that having such laws is possible.
Americans feel dissatisfied by the two major political parties. One quarter of adults do not feel represented well by either party, including thirty percent of American adults 49 and younger. 28% of respondents noted negative views toward both parties—four times the rate in 1994. Americans are not convinced, however, that having more political parties would help to solve national problems.
The public also finds itself increasingly polarized. For example, most Democrats and Republicans describe their own party, but not the other, as respecting democratic institutions and governing honestly. Overwhelming majorities dislike polarization itself, sensing that political discourse has worsened over the past few years and agreeing with the statement that “Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems.” Most Americans likewise believe that partisan conficts receive too much attention.
Only about one quarter of each party views Congress favorably. Members of Congress were frequently criticized for not listening to constituents’ concerns, not separating their personal and professional interests, not working across party lines, and not taking responsibility for their actions. Many respondents criticized candidates’ reasons for running for office (perceived as money, fame, and the desire to run for a higher office in the future) and personal traits like dishonesty and greed). The biggest problem with today’s elected officials, according to one woman in her 50s, is “the idea that what we want is for them to fight for whatever they believe in at all costs, rather than compromise and actually accomplish something. I can’t think of another profession where you can get paid for refusing to do anything.”