Report Finds That Americans Are Confused About The Meaning Of Democracy & Distrust Public Institutions

A new report from UC Berkeley’s Democracy Policy Lab reveals that Americans are deeply confused about the meaning of democracy and increasingly distrustful of public institutions and each other. Lead author David C. Wilson, dean of Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, explains that the study—based on surveys with more than 2,400 people—shows that democracy is misunderstood because Americans often conflate it with national politics, leading to polarization and disillusionment. “Right now, people mostly pay attention to national government, which is mostly characterized by political parties… But that’s not democracy — that’s politics.”

Wilson argues that democracy is relational and requires emotional and psychological investment: “It’s just like any other relationship. If you can’t find a way to understand it and be connected with it, then it’s more difficult to care about its fate.” The report calls for formal “democracy policy” akin to economic or health policy, suggesting governments create programs that strengthen civic participation, dialogue, and a shared national identity.

Survey data reveal that despite widespread confusion, Americans still trust many democratic practices. “Do they support local government regulating clean water? Yes… Do they see a value in jury duty? Overwhelmingly.” However, divisions persist. Republicans, after winning the 2024 election, express more optimism and flourishing than Democrats. The data show a troubling correlation: those with higher levels of well-being often hold more exclusionary views, driven by a belief in a “justice motive”—the idea that benefits should only go to those who ‘deserve’ them.

Wilson also points out that younger people and women are especially likely to feel disconnected and dissatisfied. “They’re having the biggest problem reconciling what democracy promises and what they’re seeing in reality.” The report proposes democracy-strengthening measures such as revitalizing public service programs, investing in local journalism, and promoting cross-group collaboration.

Ultimately, Wilson remains hopeful: “The public is not trying to run from democracy. Their relationship to democracy is frayed, but they’re trying to get help.” He believes that with the right investments in democratic infrastructure and education, the ideal of “We the People” can still be reclaimed.

Link: Berkeley