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New poll finds about three-quarters of Americans say democracy under threat

The article from NPR, published on July 1, 2025, titled "New Poll Finds About Three-Quarters of Americans Say Democracy Under Threat," delves into the findings of a recent national poll conducted by the Pew Research Center. The poll, which surveyed over 5,000 American adults, reveals a significant concern among the populace regarding the state of democracy in the United States. Approximately 74% of respondents expressed the belief that democracy is under threat, a sentiment that cuts across various demographic groups, political affiliations, and geographic regions.

The article begins by highlighting the key statistics from the poll. It notes that the perception of democracy being under threat is not confined to any single political party. While 82% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans share this view, the concern is also prevalent among independents, with 71% expressing similar worries. This widespread concern underscores a national consensus on the fragility of democratic institutions and processes.

The article then delves into the reasons behind these concerns. Respondents cited several factors contributing to their belief that democracy is at risk. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is the polarization of political discourse. Many Americans feel that the increasing divisiveness and hostility between political parties have eroded the ability to engage in constructive dialogue and compromise, which are essential for a functioning democracy. The poll found that 65% of respondents believe that political polarization is a significant threat to democracy.

Another major concern highlighted in the article is the influence of money in politics. A substantial portion of the respondents, 59%, believe that the role of wealthy donors and special interest groups in political campaigns undermines the democratic process. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger voters, with 72% of those aged 18-29 expressing this view. The article notes that this concern is not new but has intensified in recent years, fueled by high-profile cases of political spending and lobbying.

The article also discusses the impact of misinformation and disinformation on public trust in democratic institutions. According to the poll, 56% of Americans believe that the spread of false information poses a significant threat to democracy. This concern is particularly acute among older respondents, with 63% of those aged 65 and above citing misinformation as a major issue. The article points out that the proliferation of social media and the ease with which false narratives can spread have exacerbated this problem, leading to a decline in trust in traditional media and government institutions.

In addition to these broad concerns, the article explores specific issues that respondents believe are undermining democracy. One such issue is voter suppression. The poll found that 48% of Americans believe that efforts to restrict voting access, such as stringent voter ID laws and purging of voter rolls, are a threat to democracy. This concern is particularly pronounced among racial and ethnic minorities, with 62% of Black respondents and 58% of Hispanic respondents expressing this view. The article notes that recent legal battles over voting rights have heightened awareness of this issue and contributed to the perception that democracy is under threat.

Another specific concern highlighted in the article is the perceived erosion of checks and balances within the government. According to the poll, 45% of respondents believe that the weakening of these foundational democratic principles is a significant threat. This concern is particularly strong among those with higher levels of education, with 55% of respondents with a college degree or higher expressing this view. The article points out that recent political events, such as the controversial use of executive orders and the perceived politicization of the judiciary, have fueled these concerns.

The article also examines the regional variations in the perception of democracy being under threat. It notes that while the concern is widespread, it is particularly pronounced in certain regions. For example, 80% of respondents in the Northeast believe that democracy is under threat, compared to 70% in the South. The article suggests that these regional differences may be influenced by factors such as political culture, media consumption patterns, and the impact of local political events.

In addition to the quantitative data from the poll, the article includes qualitative insights from focus groups conducted by the Pew Research Center. These focus groups provide a deeper understanding of the sentiments expressed in the poll. Participants frequently mentioned a sense of disillusionment with the political system and a feeling that their voices are not being heard. Many expressed frustration with the perceived lack of accountability among elected officials and the belief that the system is rigged in favor of the powerful.

The article concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for the future of American democracy. It notes that the widespread concern about the state of democracy could have significant political consequences, potentially influencing voter turnout and political engagement. The article suggests that addressing these concerns will require concerted efforts from political leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to restore trust in democratic institutions and processes.

Overall, the NPR article provides a comprehensive overview of the findings from the Pew Research Center poll, highlighting the widespread concern among Americans about the state of democracy. It delves into the various factors contributing to this concern, including political polarization, the influence of money in politics, misinformation, voter suppression, and the erosion of checks and balances. The article also explores regional variations and qualitative insights from focus groups, offering a nuanced understanding of the issue. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing these concerns to safeguard the future of American democracy.

Read the Full NPR Article at:
[ https://www.npr.org/2025/07/01/nx-s1-5452297/new-poll-finds-about-three-quarters-of-americans-say-democracy-under-threat ]