![Kettering Foundation > Frustration Rises, Commitment Endures > Top Card > 2026-09 [UPDATE] > show before](https://imagekit.gallup.com/fusion/tr:n-emd_tmpl_dlp_bg_lg/ANALYTICSV9CMS/b13d37f9-dba7-43b5-9979-db24002509c6.jpg)
Democracy for All Project
The Democracy for All Project, a collaboration between the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup, is the most extensive annual study of how Americans experience democracy. By amplifying voices from all backgrounds and examining perceptions of inclusion, fairness and opportunity, this project seeks to identify solutions to strengthen democratic engagement and bridge divides.
Thank you for downloading the 2026 Democracy for All Project dataset.
Frustration Rises, Commitment Endures
This year’s survey finds Americans’ commitment to democracy holding steady but assessments of U.S. democratic performance worsening. New survey questions reveal that Americans view democracy more positively at the local level, in terms of how it is performing, how sensitive elected leaders are to their needs, and the ability of ordinary people to create positive change. When Americans trust local leaders and their neighbors, they view democracy more positively at both the local and national levels.
The latest report features insights from a survey of more than 23,000 Americans conducted April 24 through June 10, 2026.
What Americans Are Saying
- Fifty-six percent of U.S. adults say U.S. democracy is doing “very” or “moderately” poorly, while 19% say it is doing “very” or “moderately” well. Both figures offer a more negative assessment than in 2025.
- Sixty percent of Americans think that democracy in the U.S. was “much” or “somewhat” stronger 50 years ago than it is today.
- Looking ahead, more Americans expect U.S. democracy to become “much” or “somewhat” weaker (45%) rather than stronger (31%) over the next 50 years.
- Just 28% of U.S. adults trust that political leaders will be held accountable to the nation’s laws and Constitution.
- Americans rate democracy in their own city or town more positively than negatively. Thirty-four percent say it is doing “very” or “moderately” well, and 21% say it is doing “very” or “moderately” poorly.
Why This Research Matters
Kettering Foundation President Sharon L. Davies notes, “Democracy cannot be fully realized without the commitment and participation of all.”
Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton adds, “Our promise is to provide the most accurate current trends of the state of American democracy, including a deeper understanding of its meaning, from the very voice of the citizens themselves.”
Sample & Methodology
Survey of 23,683 U.S. adults (April 24 through June 10, 2026).
Margin of sampling error: ±1 percentage point at the 95% confidence level.
Download Past Kettering Foundation-Gallup Reports
-
Democracy for All Project: The People’s Role in American Democracy
-
Democracy for All Project: Is Democracy Working?
Download the 2026 Democracy for All Project Dataset
Fill out the form below to get instant access to the data. Gallup will share your information with the Kettering Foundation as the Sponsor of this study.