Few Americans are Confident in American Democracy, But Younger Americans are Especially Skeptical
March 8, 2021
If governments can effectively administer the COVID-19 vaccine and deliver economic support, it will go a long way in demonstrating that even if government is clunky and the results imperfect, the institutions of democratic governance can work. Continue Reading →
Social Isolation and Community Disconnection are Not Spurring Conspiracy Theories
March 4, 2021
After the 2020 presidential election, a new survey finds acute partisan disagreement over whether President Biden was legitimately elected and whether political violence can ever be justified. Although most Americans believe the 2020 election was a fair contest, most Republicans disagree and express concerns about voter fraud. Republicans are more likely to embrace political conspiracies, including the existence of a “Deep State” working to thwart Donald Trump’s presidency and the Q-Anon conspiracy that Trump is fighting a cabal of sex traffickers. Continue Reading →
When it Comes to Conspiracy Theories, Education Matters
February 26, 2021
Educational attainment is closely associated with belief in conspiracy theories. However, education appears to matter more for Republicans than Democrats. Continue Reading →
After the Ballots are Counted: Conspiracies, Political Violence, and American Exceptionalism
February 11, 2021
The January 2021 American Perspectives Survey looks at post-election sentiments, beliefs in conspiracies, attitudes toward political violence, political segregation, and general feelings toward the United States. Continue Reading →
If You Have a Lot of Friends, You’re Probably More Active in Politics
February 8, 2021
Having a robust network of friends and family may encourage us to become more active in civic and political life. Continue Reading →
A Turning Point? Americans Grapple With COVID-19 Amid Enduring Partisan and Racial Divisions
December 9, 2020
The November 2020 APS explores how Americans are grappling with COVID-19 amid soaring numbers of infections. Though large partisan divisions persist, more Americans say they would get a free, FDA-approved vaccine. It also challenges the “shy Trump voter” hypothesis and explores possible explanations for Trump’s increased support among non-white voters. Continue Reading →
Biden’s Message of Unity is Welcomed by Most Americans
November 13, 2020
Biden’s desire to move past the divisiveness that has marked the Trump presidency, the question that follows is simple: Are Americans actually open to working with others and trying to find the middle ground? Continue Reading →
The 2020 Election Was Not Primarily About Trump As a Person
November 9, 2020
Biden will have the challenge of finding common ground with all Americans, but Biden already took the right steps when he declared in his acceptance speech that “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again.” Continue Reading →
The 2020 Religion Vote
November 6, 2020
Religious voters lined up behind their preferred candidates in familiar ways in the 2020 presidential election, but there were some notable shifts. Continue Reading →
Our Media Bubbles Reflect a Larger Problem of Political Segregation
October 27, 2020
A new study finds Republican trust in conservative media outlets is closely tied to the political composition of their friendship network. Continue Reading →
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