Summary
Less than one third of adults are satisfied with the way American democracy is functioning, and “as many as 20% of Americans have given up on democracy as the preferred form of government.” Polarization has increased since 2012, especially along partisan and racial lines. Republicans, young people, and those without a college degree are disproportionately dissatisfied with the current political system. Inequality, corruption, the possibility of unfair elections, and (online) disinformation are perceived as the largest threats to democracy. Education and structural reforms will be essential for reducing polarization and misinformation.