Americans Reported Declining Faith in Democracy

A new poll reveals that a majority of U.S. adults believe democracy is currently performing poorly.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Americans Reported Declining Faith in Democracy

Live Poll

Do you believe the American democratic system is currently performing well for the country?

Gallup and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation released a survey showing that only 19% of Americans believe democracy is working well in the U.S. Despite this, a two-thirds majority of the public still maintains that democratic principles are the best form of government.

Why it matters

The survey results suggest that economic experiences and shifting institutional perceptions have eroded confidence in democratic governance over the last several decades. This decline is particularly driven by Republicans and right-leaning independents.

Only 19% of adults believe democracy is doing well, while over half of respondents state it is performing poorly. Additionally, a majority of Americans believe the executive branch currently holds too much power.

The players

Gallup

This is a global analytics and advisory company known for conducting public opinion polls and behavioral economics research.

Charles F. Kettering Foundation

This is a nonpartisan, nonprofit operating foundation that focuses on the relationship between democracy and the public.

The details

Researchers measured public sentiment regarding institutional checks and balances, election integrity, and government guardrails. The findings show that Republicans are increasingly skeptical, with over four in 10 members of the party suspecting election officials act improperly when results are surprising.

1970s: Democracy satisfaction levels were notably higher than current metrics.
2021: The United States experienced the attack on the Capitol.
September 2026: Gallup and the Kettering Foundation published the survey results.

Political Context

The survey reflects a continued period of intense institutional scrutiny following the 2021 attack on the Capitol. Critics argue that such polling can exacerbate partisan divides by framing election administration as inherently suspicious rather than highlighting procedural safeguards.

The findings underscore a shift in how citizens view the legitimacy of government branches and election officials. This change in perception may influence how taxpayers engage with local institutions and their expectations for future election oversight.

The takeaway

Public confidence in democratic institutions has reached a historic low compared to the 1970s. Citizens concerned about governance may find value in researching the specific checks and balances defined by the U.S. Constitution to better understand institutional power limits.

What happens next

Post-midterm political discourse is expected to feature continued debates regarding election security, voter intimidation, and the integrity of democratic results.