Political Ideals & Systems

Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.

Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.

Most people view their own government’s record on personal freedoms more favorably than they do when it comes to the U.S. and especially China.

The U.S. is seen positively in advanced economies for its technology, entertainment, military and universities, but negatively for its health care system, discrimination and the state of its democracy.

Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.

Those on the political right are more likely to say there should have been fewer public activity restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak.

57% of Americans view voting as “a fundamental right for every adult U.S. citizen and should not be restricted in any way.”

Nearly two-thirds of Hindus (64%) in India say it is very important to be Hindu to be truly Indian, our survey found.

We identified 261 U.S. jurisdictions that have adopted some voting method other than the winner-take-all system most American voters know.

Around two-thirds of adults in Germany, France and the UK say it is important for their national government to make voting compulsory.