In the coming months, Americans will be invited to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission aims to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence by engaging “all 350 million Americans by our nation’s 250th anniversary.”
The 250th is quite a milestone and it occurs during a period of deep polarization, with Republicans and Democrats not only disagreeing on policies but on basic facts. A cloud of angst hangs over many Americans. Not surprisingly, our national survey on America at 250 finds the country is largely split along partisan lines as to whether its best days lie ahead (46%) or if they are already behind us (46%).
In spite of this, we find Americans are remarkably united in support of the nation’s founding principles – even as they worry the country is failing to live up to them. Against heavy odds, this creates an opportunity to change the political climate – particularly through an honest assessment of our nation’s history.
The Founders understood that political conflict was inevitable. James Madison warned about the “mischiefs of faction,” and George Washington cautioned against the dangers of political parties. At the same time, the Constitution’s system of checks and balances deliberately divided power among competing institutions to prevent its concentration in any one place.
Observers of the Founders recognize that conflict was built into the system from the start. The same principles that Americans overwhelmingly support – separated powers, competing institutions, and democratic participation – also produces political friction.
Americans may be frustrated with their political institutions, but not with the American project itself. Nearly eight in 10 Americans believe the nation’s founding principles provide a strong foundation for solving today’s challenges. Respondents across the political spectrum indicate a commitment to core democratic ideals such as freedom of speech, equality under the law, the protection of individual rights, and the rule of law.
We find an electorate that still holds a deep attachment to the ideals that defined the nation’s founding despite our polarization. Seventy-seven percent say they are proud to be American, and roughly nine in 10 say foundational principles such as protecting individual rights, equality under the law, and the opportunity to improve one’s life are very important.
But Americans also believe those ideals are under threat. Seven in 10 respondents say the founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are in serious jeopardy today. More than eight in 10 believe the Founders themselves would be dissatisfied with the current state of American government.
When asked what the focus of America 250 should be, the most common answer was “bringing Americans together across differences.” In other words, even in an era of intense polarization, the public still expresses a strong desire for unity.
Interestingly, Americans express more confidence in their state and local governments than in the federal government when it comes to upholding founding principles. Majorities say their state and local governments reflect the consent of the governed, allow them to pursue their inalienable rights, and uphold the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The mission of the America 250 Commission is to “inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.” The Commission also seeks to “honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.”
Eighty-seven percent say the commemoration should include both celebration and reflection – acknowledging the nation’s achievements while also confronting its shortcomings.
Our polling also suggests civic knowledge may matter. Respondents who could correctly identify basic facts about the nation’s founding were more likely to believe the Framers would be satisfied with the American experiment today. Just one-third of respondents correctly identified that the phrase “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” appears in the Declaration of Independence. An understanding of the founding implies an understanding of basic concepts like separation of powers, checks and balances, and the power of compromise.
Using America 250 to emphasize civic education – particularly engagement with primary documents – could play an important role in strengthening confidence in American democracy.
Understanding this may not make today’s politics feel any less contentious, but it may foster greater tolerance and patience with a system designed to channel disagreement rather than eliminate it.
Americans have a rare opportunity to improve the political climate by reflecting on the nation’s achievements and its unfinished work. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue, respect, and tolerance over apathy, contempt and dogmatism when managing conflict reflects America at its best. And those values are sorely needed today. We have a once in semiquincentennial chance of pulling this off. Let’s hope we take advantage of it.
This article was originally published by RealClearPolitics and made available via RealClearWire.
