News

Multiple indicators show a decline in the health of America’s democracy in 2025

Pew Research Center · Jonathan Schulman and Richard Wike · last updated

Most Americans say democracy in the United States used to be a good example for other countries to follow but has not been in recent years.

The health of America’s democracy declined in 2025, according to new evaluations from organizations that have long tracked how well democracies around the world are working.

The assessments come as most Americans say democracy in the United States used to be a good example for other countries to follow but has not been in recent years, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. And roughly seven-in-ten Americans are dissatisfied with the way their democracy is working. (Read more below.)

Related Knowledge Center: Democracy and politics

State of Play

News organizations are scrambling to find a coverage approach that adequately informs the American public about the country’s slide from democracy to authoritarian rule.

The White House vs. the press


More informationabout Democracy and politics