A striking new national poll reveals that Americans across the political spectrum share a common concern: the country is not doing enough to educate its citizens about democracy and how government works. The survey, conducted by NBC News and sponsored by the nonpartisan organization More Perfect, found that a remarkable 80% of respondents believe the United States places too little emphasis on civic education.
The findings show unusual unity in an otherwise divided nation. Both progressives (87%) and MAGA Republicans (84%) agree that schools need to do more to teach about government and democratic principles. This consensus extends across generations as well, with Americans young and old expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of civic instruction. More than half of those surveyed said the country’s focus on teaching these subjects is ‘much too little.’
The poll also exposed a deep crisis of confidence in American institutions. Only 12% of adults expressed trust in Congress, while just 18% have confidence in the federal government. Local governments fared slightly better at 27%, but the national news media received particularly poor marks, with only 11% expressing confidence. Educational institutions showed somewhat brighter results, with about a third of Americans trusting colleges and universities, and 30% expressing confidence in public schools.
Perhaps most concerning for the future of American democracy, the nation appears evenly split on the fundamental question of checks and balances. When asked whether the country needs strong executive leadership that bypasses Congress and the Supreme Court, 48% agreed while 48% called such concentrated power dangerous. This division reflects a debate that has persisted for decades, though the poll suggests women, young people, and college graduates are more likely to view unchecked executive power as a threat to democratic governance.
