The Common Good Survey on Division 2024
The Common Good has been tracking national division and working to identify ways to return to greater civility and effective governance. While the results of this study demonstrate great cynicism and frustration with the status quo, it also identifies a strong desire for ending political gridlock and provides a foundation of shared values and commonalities around which Americans can agree and unite.
The new survey by The Common Good demonstrates a strong desire for a return to civility and an end to government gridlock while highlighting areas that can unite our divided nation.
The Hill: “Americans want civility and end to gridlock, says survey”
Written by Amie Parnes, senior political correspondent at The Hill
Survey Highlights
THE AMERICAN DREAM IS DEAD.
69% Say government is so divided that it is no longer effective. (Dems. 67%, Reps. 77%, Ind. 62%)
56% of Americans believe the American Dream (that if you work hard, you can achieve success) was never true or, if it was once, it is now gone. (Dems. 57%, Reps. 50%, Ind. 62%).
62% say movies, TV, and popular culture sometimes demonstrate a social and political view that is offensive to them. (Dems 52%, Reps. 76%, Ind 60%)
46% believe Colleges and Universities are too liberal.
75% Believe most politicians today promote and encourage national division out of political self-interest. (81% in the Northeast).
43% give the Federal Government a grade of “D” or “F.”
48% believe efforts to protect LGBTQ rights have gone too far.
46% believe Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) policies are no longer needed.
Only 44% believe the American Dream is still alive.
Ending divisions and uniting the country.
There are growing areas of agreement and shared values that offer hope for a more united America and offer a foundation for rebuilding a constructive national dialogue.
Creating a nationwide civics education program in all schools focused on American history, principles, and responsibilities of citizenship is widely supported by 82% nationally, including over 80% in every region and by both Democrats (82%) and Republicans (88%).
89% say political courage (making a tough decision even when it puts your career in jeopardy) is important when they choose a candidate. (Dem 92%, Rep 91%, Ind 83%)
Democrats (32%) and Republicans (31%) both cite “Equality” as the Strongest American Core value shared by most Americans. Second is “Liberty: Freedom of religion, speech and Press” at 27% nationally.
83% agree that it is important to maintain “separation of church and state” keeping religion separate from government. Support is strong across all parties and regions. (Dems 92%, Reps 77%, Ind, 77%, Northeast 86%, South 79%, West 87%, Midwest 80%).
68% of Americans are looking for a candidate willing to compromise to get things done.
Asked what is most likely to unite us as a nation, the majority of Americans say “a National crisis” or “shared American Values” both tied at 37%.
Protecting reproductive rights are broadly supported by 69% of Americans with majority Support across every region.
