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.”
Ryan Cooper 
As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, a new poll suggests that the concept of American exceptionalism is losing its grip on the national consciousness. Data from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals a growing sense of unease regarding the country's representative government, particularly among the nation's younger citizens.
A Fading Identity
The survey paints a sobering picture of how Americans view their place in the world. Only about one-quarter of respondents believe the U.S. stands above all other nations. Meanwhile, 44% view the U.S. as one of the world's greatest countries, and 3 in 10 now suggest that better options exist elsewhere—a marked rise from the 19% who felt that way in a 2016 AP-NORC poll.
Faith in democratic institutions is also slipping. While 80% of U.S. adults identified a democratically elected government as a crucial part of the nation's identity in 2021, that figure has since dropped to approximately two-thirds.
Voices of Frustration
For many, the problem isn't the framework of the government, but those operating within it. Derricka Wall, a 24-year-old from Chickasaw, expressed a sentiment shared by many peers: “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.” Wall believes that modern political leaders have failed to uphold the safeguards intended by the founding fathers, adding, “I feel like they would actually roll out of their graves. I feel they would be very disappointed in us.”
This skepticism crosses age and political divides. Kent Stage, a 62-year-old retired Army veteran from Indiana, echoed these frustrations regarding career politicians, noting that the system does not seem to serve everyday workers.
The Shifting American Dream
Cynicism regarding the 'American Dream'—the promise that hard work leads to advancement—is also on the rise. Currently, 51% of U.S. adults believe this ideal no longer holds true. This sentiment is particularly acute among younger generations, with only 22% of those under 30 saying the dream remains a reality, compared to 46% of those 60 and older.
For Angela Toombs, a 31-year-old in Atlanta, the current economic landscape makes the prosperity of previous generations feel out of reach, forcing her to sacrifice her own apartment to manage costs.
Cultural Divide and Future Outlook
The poll further highlights deep divisions regarding the nation's cultural identity. While 56% of adults still view shared values as essential to the U.S., there is no consensus on the importance of welcoming diverse cultural influences. Only about 40% of Republicans view the mixing of global cultures as central to the American identity, compared to 76% of Democrats.
Rose Nunez, a 70-year-old from San Antonio, noted that this climate creates tangible anxiety for immigrant communities, making it difficult to find the joy in the upcoming 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Despite the prevailing cynicism, some remain optimistic. Quintin Sharpe, a 28-year-old financial planner, maintains that the American experiment is functioning as intended. “The opportunity is there for those who want to work for it,” he said.
About the Survey
The AP-NORC survey was conducted between April 16 and April 20, involving 2,596 adults. The findings carry a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
