Americans are increasingly concerned about the future of democracy in the United States, with many fearing that the integrity of the democratic process is at risk as the nation approaches the 2024 election. Recent polls indicate a widespread unease among the populace, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about the health of democratic institutions and the potential for political instability.
According to a December Gallup survey, only 28 percent of adults expressed satisfaction with the functioning of democracy in the U.S. This dissatisfaction is even more pronounced than immediately after the January 6 insurrection, highlighting the profound impact of former President Donald Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud on public perceptions of democracy.
A November AP-NORC poll further underscores the significance of the 2024 election, with 67 percent of respondents viewing its outcome as extremely or very important for the future of democracy in the country. Both Trump and President Joe Biden have emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming election, framing it as a critical moment for preserving democratic norms and values.
The erosion of trust in the electoral process, exacerbated by Trump’s repeated allegations of fraud in the 2020 presidential race, has contributed to widespread apprehension about the integrity of democracy. Susan Stokes, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, notes that Americans are witnessing a deterioration of democratic norms, with restoring faith in democratic institutions presenting a significant challenge.
ALSO READ: Biden Campaign Team Dismisses 3rd-Party Threats Ahead of 2024 Elections
These concerns are reflected in various surveys. An August Morning Consult/Bipartisan Policy Center poll found that 82 percent of voters expressed worry about the state of democracy in the U.S. Additionally, a YouGov/CBS News poll from January revealed that half of voters considered a functioning democracy a more pressing concern than a strong economy.
The events of January 6 continue to cast a long shadow, with two-thirds of Americans expressing apprehension about a repeat of the insurrection in a December Navigator poll. The specter of political violence looms large, fueling anxieties about the stability of American democracy.
POLL—Should the U.S. Government Create a Path to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants?
However, while there is bipartisan concern about the state of democracy, there are deep partisan divides in the specific worries expressed by Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are particularly concerned about the potential for another insurrection, with a vast majority expressing apprehension about the involvement of Republican members of Congress in such events.
Furthermore, Democrats harbor significant reservations about the prospect of a second Trump term, viewing his reelection as detrimental to democracy. Biden has echoed these concerns, warning against the dangers posed by Trump’s candidacy and framing the 2024 election as a critical test for American democracy.
Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and legal troubles have only heightened anxieties about the future of democracy. His repeated denial of election results and mounting criminal charges underscore fears of authoritarian tendencies and political instability.
ALSO READ: “I Absolutely Hate Trump!” GOP Voters Say They Are Not Falling for MAGA Again
The stakes could not be higher as the nation approaches the 2024 election. Both parties frame it as a pivotal moment for American democracy, with each accusing the other of anti-democratic behavior. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of democracy in the United States, with the concerns and anxieties of the American people casting a shadow over the democratic process.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
UN Fires Palestinian Refugee Agency Staffers, Claims They Joined Hamas Attack
Guinness World Records Reviews World Oldest Dog Title Holder, Bobi, Amid Vets’ Skepticism
This California Mom Almost Lost Her Daughter to Woke Education
Florida Board of Education Bans DEI and Sociology Class From State Colleges
Senior Trade Officials Walk Out Amid Staff Exodus, Signaling the End to Biden’s Trade Dreams
