U.S. Democracy

Americans who are highly attached to their communities and who always vote in local elections stand out for displaying stronger local news habits than those less engaged.

Though many Americans say they're concerned about possible election fraud, the U.S. electoral system generally ranks high in cross-national comparisons.

As the presidential campaign enters its final days, opinions about American democracy and the candidates’ respect for democratic institutions – as well their respect for women, minorities and other groups in society– have emerged as political flashpoints. Donald Trump is widely seen as having little or no respect for Muslims, women, Hispanics and blacks. Moreover, […]

With less than a month to go before Election Day, not all American voters are aware of their states’ voter ID requirements.

Just 11% of Trump supporters are highly confident that votes across the country will be accurately counted.

There are fewer electorally competitive counties, and more counties in which Democrats or Republicans hold overwhelming vote advantages, than at any time in the past three decades or so.

The 700+ unpledged party leaders and elected officials are mostly white, mostly men and mostly Hillary Clinton supporters.

In 11 of the 18 conventions since the Civil War that went more than one ballot, the first-ballot leader ended up losing the nomination to someone else.

Just 35% of voters say that the primaries have been a good way of determining the best- qualified nominees.