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Survey: Half of Americans Disillusioned with Democracy's Functioning

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Kettering Foundation-Gallup survey finds nearly half of U.S. adults view democracy as functioning poorly, signaling a sharp decline from past decades.
Despite two-thirds agreeing democracy is the best form of government, more than 40% doubt their leaders’ commitment to it.
Only about 30% are satisfied with democracy’s functioning, down from about 60% in 1984, and the survey included over 20,000 U.S. adults conducted between July and August 2025.

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Story summary

A Kettering Foundation-Gallup survey finds nearly half of U.S. adults view democracy as functioning poorly, signaling a sharp decline from past decades.
Despite two-thirds agreeing democracy is the best form of government, more than 40% doubt their leaders’ commitment to it.
Only about 30% are satisfied with democracy’s functioning, down from about 60% in 1984, and the survey included over 20,000 U.S. adults conducted between July and August 2025.