Is American exceptionalism dying? Fewer believe democracy essential to nation’s identity, poll finds
“It’s not that the democracy part is not working,” said Derricka Wall. ”It’s the people that are actually being put in office that is the problem.”
Mason Reed 
As the United States gears up for grand celebrations of its 250th anniversary, a shift is occurring in how citizens perceive the nation. A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that fewer Americans view their country as exceptional, with a notable sense of unease regarding the future of representative government.
Erosion of National Pride
The data shows a decline in the sentiment of American exceptionalism. Only about 25% of respondents believe the U.S. stands above all other nations, while 44% view it as one of the greatest alongside others. Significantly, 3 in 10 Americans now suggest other countries may be better—a sharp rise from the 19% recorded in a 2016 AP-NORC poll.
Democracy and Identity
Faith in the necessity of a democratically elected government has also taken a hit. Roughly two-thirds of adults now consider democracy a vital part of the nation's identity, a drop from 80% in 2021. For many, the frustration lies with leadership rather than the system itself. Derricka Wall, a 24-year-old from Chickasaw, noted, “It’s not that the democracy part is not working. It’s the people that are actually being put in office that is the problem.”
Generational and Cultural Divides
Age plays a major role in these findings. Adults under 30 are significantly less likely to view the U.S. as special or to define democracy as an essential component of the American identity compared to those aged 60 and older. Additionally, the poll highlights a growing national divide regarding the importance of shared culture and the role of diversity, with Republicans and Democrats often viewing the nation's character through starkly different lenses.
The American Dream in Question
Cynicism regarding the American Dream is also prevalent. Approximately 51% of U.S. adults believe the idea that hard work leads to success is a thing of the past. Stories like that of Angela Toombs in Atlanta—who gave up her own apartment to save money—underscore the economic obstacles facing younger generations, contrasting with the optimism of those who still believe in the nation's promise, such as Republican financial planner Quintin Sharpe.
Polling Methodology
The AP-NORC survey included 2,596 adults and was conducted between April 16 and April 20. The results are based on a representative sample from the AmeriSpeak Panel, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
