POLITICS

Americans Worry About Democracy and Violence

USATue Jul 01 2025

Key Findings

  • Democracy in Danger: 76% of Americans believe democracy is threatened.
  • Political Violence: 73% see politically motivated violence as a major issue.
  • Partisan Divide: Democrats and independents are more concerned than Republicans.
  • Leadership Approval: Low confidence in President Trump, congressional Republicans, and Democrats.
  • Immigration: Most support America's openness, but Republicans fear it risks national identity.
  • Foreign Policy: Split opinions on U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, with concerns about retaliation.

Detailed Insights

Democracy Under Threat

  • 76% of Americans see democracy as threatened, though this is a drop from last year.
  • Partisan Differences: Democrats and independents are more likely to perceive a threat than Republicans.

Political Violence

  • 73% view politically motivated violence as a major problem.
  • Demographics: White women with college degrees and older adults are the most concerned.
  • Less Concern: Younger people and minorities show less worry about political violence.

Leadership Approval

  • Low Confidence: President Trump, congressional Republicans, and Democrats have low approval ratings.
  • Partisan Approval: Republicans are more likely to approve of their own leaders than Democrats are.

Immigration

  • Openness: Most Americans believe America's openness is essential.
  • Republican Concerns: Republicans are more likely to think it risks the country's identity.
  • Deportation: Support for deporting criminals, but less for deporting workers or students.

Foreign Policy

  • Split Opinions: Half agree with U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, while the other half disagrees.
  • Retaliation Concerns: Most Americans are worried about potential retaliation.

questions

    Is it just me, or does the idea of 'American identity' change more often than the menu at a fast-food restaurant?
    What are the ethical implications of deportation policies, and how can they be balanced with national security concerns?
    How can the perceived threat to democracy be addressed to ensure its stability and continuity?

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