Shared Ideals, Divergent Realities​

Since President Trump’s return to office, debates about the strength of American democracy are intensifying. Critics raise concerns that the Trump administrations’ actions threaten our democratic systems, with some equating support for President Trump with belief that one no longer cares about the value of American democracy. ​

To better understand how public attitudes are evolving, More in Common surveyed 2,647 Americans on their views of democracy, the Constitution, and Trump administration policies, including cuts to federal agencies.​

While there is broad, bipartisan support for democracy and the Constitution, Democrats and Republicans diverge sharply in how they interpret President Trump’s recent actions. Most Republicans view his policies as efforts to fight corruption and serve the public, while most Democrats see them as self-serving and a threat to democratic norms. Independents are mixed, but broadly more concerned or unsure than confident about the current state of our democracy.​

These findings suggest that Americans remain committed to the ideals of democracy, but they differ significantly as to whether the administrations’ actions uphold or undermine those values. The task ahead for organizations working on strengthening America’s democracy lies less in persuading Americans that democracy matters, and more in understanding why some do not currently perceive some of the Trump administration’s actions as threats to democracy. This calls for attentiveness to specific issues and moments—particularly around government actions that most Americans across party lines may feel unease with—when precise and non-alarmist pro-democracy arguments can gain traction. These moments can be used to build support for institutional safeguards that constrain future acts of democratic backsliding.​

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Key Takeaways

1. A majority of Americans, across party lines, support upholding democratic principles and constitutional norms.​​

• 63% of Americans, including 69% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats, say democracy is “definitely the best” form of government for America.​
• 69% of Republicans think President Trump should always follow the Constitution, even if it means he sometimes can’t get things done.​

2. Yet, Republicans and Democrats diverge on whether the Trump Administration is threatening our democracy. Republicans don’t see President Trump’s policies and government reforms as undermining democracy, while most Democrats believe they do. ​

• 79% of Democrats see Trump’s presidency as a greater threat than the courts and bureaucracy, whereas 60% of Republicans view the courts as the greater threat.​
• Most Democrats see federal government cuts as political retaliation, while most Republicans believe they are aimed at improving government efficiency and reducing the budget deficit.​

3. Overall, Americans are generally more concerned than confident about American democracy under President Trump, and want separation of powers—driven by strong majorities of Democrats, most Independents, and a minority of Republicans. ​

• Independents are more likely to be concerned or unsure about the current state of democracy than confident. ​
  • 49% of Independents believe President Trump hopes to become a dictator, compared to 28% who disagree. ​
• Some Republicans are concerned about the Trump administration’s impact on our democratic systems.​
  • Almost a quarter (23%) of Republicans think Congress is not providing enough oversight and 15% believe the administration’s actions on government reform are threatening the country’s democracy. ​