A Marist poll released April 30 by The Marist Institute for Public Opinion at Marist University in Poughkeepsie reveals that more than three in four Americans think that the issues that divide the nation present a serious threat to the future of democracy in the United States. Marist found that while most Americans still believe that the rights to non-violent protest and freedom of the press are still strong, fewer have this view since early January.
Marist found that 22% of U.S. residents currently say there is not a serious threat to the nation’s democracy. The poll determined that 91% of Democrats and 83% of independents think there is a serious threat to the future of democracy, the number of Republicans holding that view was 56%.
The poll found that 84% of Americans believe that the right of individuals to participate in non-violent protests in the U. S. is alive and well. However, the 84% is down from the 91% who held that belief in January.
The poll found that 69% of Americans either agree or strongly agree that the ability of news organizations to criticize political leaders is functioning well in the U. S. The poll found that 30% either disagree or strongly disagree with the assertion.
Marist reported that 41% of Americans find it interesting and informative when they discuss politics with people with whom they disagree, while 57% consider it to be stressful and frustrating.
This survey of U.S. adults age 18 and up was conducted from April 21 through April 23. Contacts were made phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Marist said the results overall are statistically significant plus or minus 3.3%.
