Fewer Americans say democracy is central to country’s identity, AP-NORC poll finds

A new AP-NORC poll finds fewer Americans view democracy as central to the U.S.'s identity, with only two-thirds of adults considering it highly important, down from 80% in 2021. The survey also shows declining belief in U.S. exceptionalism, with 30% of Americans now saying other countries are better than the U.S., up from 19% in 2016. Younger adults under 30 are significantly more likely than older adults to question the U.S.'s superiority and the role of democracy in its identity.