George Washington Presidential Library Democracy Poll

POLLING AMERICANS ON DEMOCRACY FROM THE FOUNDING TO THE FUTURE C O M M I S S I O N E D BY T H E G E O R G E WA S H I N G TO N P R E S I D E N T I A L L I B R A R Y AT M O U N T V E R N O N

POLL CONDUCTED BY PROJECT HOMEFIRE AND IN PUBLICITY PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CENTER FOR POLITICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.

SURVEY METHOD

From November 2-4, 2023 The George Washington Presidential Library will host a multi-day symposium, The Great Experiment: Democracy from the Founding to the Future. To frame the conversations, a poll was commissioned on the public's views on the “Great Experiment” of American Democracy and its current health. Of particular interest was learning what Americans think are the critical values associated with a successfully functioning democracy, along with the importance placed on education in civics and history, particularly the Founding, to the survival of American democracy.

AGENDA

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M O O D O F T H E N AT I O N & D E M O C R AC Y ’ S C U R R E N T S TAT E

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C O R E VA L U E S , P R I N C I P L E S & I D E A L S

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CIVICS & CITIZENSHIP

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PA N E L T O P I C S

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KEY TAKEAWAYS •

Nation at a Crossroads: The prevailing sentiment among Americans paints a picture of a nation at a crossroads. There are significant doubts about whether American democracy is on the right track, and if democratic principles will be upheld in the future.

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Intensifying Polarization: Political divides, more profound than mere policy disagreements, mark stark contrasts between Democrats and Republicans, particularly evident in topics like gun rights, healthcare, and the interpretation of democracy itself.

Commitment to Core Principles: Despite these divides, there remains a resilient, cross-party allegiance to foundational democratic principles – though interpretations and applications of these principles can vary.

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Searching for Unity: And there's an undercurrent of aspiration – a desire for national unity, a balanced democratic system, and constructive dialogue – to bridge the divides, and fortify the nation's democratic foundations.

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Trust Deficit in Institutions: Whether it's the media, the election process, or even the effectiveness of civic education, there's an evident trust deficit.

While there are glimmers of trust in certain areas (like the military), overall, Americans demonstrate nuanced views on the institutions and forces shaping our democracy.

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The Influence of Wealth: There’s a pervasive perception that wealth and influence are intertwined, suggesting a widespread belief in systemic imbalances and the outsized influence of the wealthy on the political process.

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Shifting Generational Paradigms: Younger Americans display a distinct perspective; Gen Z and Millennials, having grown up in an era of rapid technological change, societal shifts, and political polarization, seem to be re-evaluating or placing less emphasis on some traditional civic principles.

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MOOD OF THE NATION & DEMOCRACY’S CURRENT STATE

TWO-THIRDS OF AMERICANS ARE PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THE COUNTRY'S DIRECTION AND DISSATISFIED WITH THE POLITICAL CLIMATE

M1: In general, to what extent do you think America is presently on the right track or on the wrong track?

M2: Thinking about the current political climate in America, how satisfied are you with the way things are going today?

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AMERICANS SHOW STARK POLITICAL DIVIDES ON KEY ISSUES

P1: Next, we’d like to ask you about certain political issues. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE OUR DEMOCRACY IS OFF COURSE DEEP-SEATED PESSIMISM IS EVIDENT ACROSS KEY ASPECTS OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC HEALTH

DC1: In your opinion, is American democracy currently on the right track or off on the wrong track?

DC2: In your opinion, is American democracy currently on the right track or off on the wrong track?

DC3: How would you rate the current state of political discourse in the United States?

DC4: How confident are you in the ability of America’s political institutions to successfully address the challenges facing our country?

DC5: How satisfied are you with the level of cooperation and compromise between elected officials from different political parties in the United States? DC6: How confident are you that the rule of law and democratic principles will be upheld in the United States?

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METHODOLOGY In our survey, we gauged people's confidence in democracy through a series of six questions (See Slide 8). Each question had a score ranging from 0 to 100.

To derive an overall score, the “Democracy Confidence Index” (DCI) Score, we used a “mean of means” approach, calculating the average response for each individual question and then the average of these six separate averages. This method produces a holistic score between 0 and 100, with the resulting overall score being 41. This indicates a relatively low confidence level in democracy among respondents.

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AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: STRONG ENDORSEMENT AND PROFOUND CONCERNS WHILE MANY EXPRESS FAITH IN DEMOCRACY’S UNDERPINNING, BOTH SIDES ADVOCATE FOR TRANSFORMATIVE DEMOCRATIC CHANGES AND SUBSTANTIAL MINORITIES FEEL UNDERREPRESENTED AND UNHEARD IN THE EXISTING SYSTEM

CORE1: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: STRONG ENDORSEMENT AND PROFOUND CONCERNS WHILE MANY EXPRESS FAITH IN DEMOCRACY’S UNDERPINNING, BOTH SIDES ADVOCATE FOR TRANSFORMATIVE DEMOCRATIC CHANGES AND SUBSTANTIAL MINORITIES FEEL UNDERREPRESENTED AND UNHEARD IN THE EXISTING SYSTEM

CORE1: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: STRONG ENDORSEMENT AND PROFOUND CONCERNS WHILE MANY EXPRESS FAITH IN DEMOCRACY’S UNDERPINNING, BOTH SIDES ADVOCATE FOR TRANSFORMATIVE DEMOCRATIC CHANGES AND SUBSTANTIAL MINORITIES FEEL UNDERREPRESENTED AND UNHEARD IN THE EXISTING SYSTEM

CORE1: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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YOUNGER AMERICANS MORE SKEPTICAL OF DEMOCRACY GEN Z SHOWS GREATER DIVERGENCE ON DEMOCRACY'S VALUE AND THE ROLE OF WEALTH IN POLITICS

CORE1: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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FOUNDATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES EARN BROAD SUPPORT, BUT CHALLENGES LOOM WHILE AGREEMENT PERSISTS ON FOUNDATIONAL TENETS, MANY ARE OPEN TO CIRCUMVENTING DEMOCRATIC NORMS IN FAVOR OF UNILATERAL DECISION-MAKING

IDEAL1: With the next set of questions, we’re seeking your thoughts on how much you agree that the statement should be true in a functioning American democracy. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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FOUNDATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES EARN BROAD SUPPORT, BUT CHALLENGES LOOM WHILE AGREEMENT PERSISTS ON FOUNDATIONAL TENETS, MANY ARE OPEN TO CIRCUMVENTING DEMOCRATIC NORMS IN FAVOR OF UNILATERAL DECISION-MAKING

IDEAL1: With the next set of questions, we’re seeking your thoughts on how much you agree that the statement should be true in a functioning American democracy. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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YOUNGER GENERATIONS MORE SUPPORTIVE OF UNRESTRICTED LEADERSHIP VIEWS GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS NOTABLY MORE OPEN TO UNCHECKED GOVERNANCE AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE COMPARED TO GEN X AND BOOMERS.

IDEAL1: With the next set of questions, we’re seeking your thoughts on how much you agree that the statement should be true in a functioning American democracy. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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CORE VALUES, PRINCIPLES & IDEALS

AMERICANS STRONGLY UPHOLD CORE DEMOCRATIC VALUES MAJORITIES AGREE ON FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES LIKE RULE OF LAW, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES, AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A FREE PRESS; CROSS-PARTISAN CONSENSUS EMERGES ON THESE PIVOTAL DEMOCRATIC TENETS

CORE2: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AMERICANS STRONGLY UPHOLD CORE DEMOCRATIC VALUES MAJORITIES AGREE ON FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES LIKE RULE OF LAW, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES, AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A FREE PRESS; CROSS-PARTISAN CONSENSUS EMERGES ON THESE PIVOTAL DEMOCRATIC TENETS

CORE2: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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YOUNGER GENERATIONS EXPRESS RELATIVELY LOWER CONFIDENCE IN CORE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES GEN Z, WHILE LARGELY SUPPORTIVE, SHOWS NOTICEABLE DIPS IN STRONG AGREEMENT WITH DEMOCRATIC PILLARS

CORE2: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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WHILE FOUNDATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ARE VALUED, RELIGION REVEALS A DIVIDE

I1: In your opinion, how important each institution is in shaping America's future and sustaining its democratic principles? Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Important.

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THE ROLE OF RELIGION: DIVIDES EMERGE BY GENERATION, EDUCATION, AND ETHNICITY

I1: In your opinion, how important each institution is in shaping America's future and sustaining its democratic principles? Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Important.

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AMERICANS PRIORITIZE ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, PEACEFUL TRANSITIONS, AND NATIONAL UNITY IN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES DEMOCRATS PLACE SOMEWHAT HIGHER EMPHASIS ON PEACEFUL TRANSITIONS AND UNITY, WHILE REPUBLICANS PRIORITIZE BALANCING FEDERAL AND STATE POWERS

T1: Imagine these traits are describing a candidate running for President. Please indicate how important each quality is to you. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Important.

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YOUNGER GENERATIONS LESS CONCERNED ABOUT PARTISANSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONAL RESPECT COMPARED TO OLDER AMERICANS

T1: Imagine these traits are describing a candidate running for President. Please indicate how important each quality is to you. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Important.

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NATIONAL UNITY: AMERICANS VALUE TRUST, COLLABORATION, AND UNITY AS BEDROCKS OF DEMOCRACY PARTISAN VIEWS ON DIVERSITY REVEAL UNDERLYING TENSIONS IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICA

CORE4: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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OLDER GENERATIONS AND MORE EDUCATED AMERICANS EXPRESS GREATER CONCERN OVER POLITICAL POLARIZATION AND STRESS BIPARTISANSHIP

CORE4: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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CIVICS & CITIZENSHIP

CIVIC FOUNDATIONS: AMERICANS EMPHASIZE ETHICS, EDUCATION, AND ENGAGEMENT IN DEMOCRACY BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND CIVIC LEARNING, WITH LIBRARIES EMERGING AS VITAL INFORMATION HUBS

CORE3: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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OLDER GENERATIONS MORE STRONGLY ALIGN WITH ‘TRADITIONAL’ CIVIC VALUES GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS LAG BEHIND GEN X AND BOOMERS IN EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HISTORY, THE CONSTITUTION, AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOR

CORE3: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOL CORRELATES WITH STRONGER ALIGNMENT TO CORE CIVIC PRINCIPLES THOSE WITH REGULAR CIVIC EDUCATION MORE LIKELY TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HISTORY, THE CONSTITUTION, AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

CORE3: Now we’d like to expose you to a series of statements related to political and democratic viewpoints. Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AMERICANS PRIORITIZE UNBIASED INFORMATION AND VOTING, BUT LOCAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TRAILS BEHIND HIGH VALUE ON POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND FACT-BASED CONVERSATIONS; YET, GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION SHOWS ROOM FOR GROWTH

PE1: Please use the slider to show how much you agree or disagree that the statement describes you personally. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AMERICANS PRIORITIZE UNBIASED INFORMATION AND VOTING, BUT LOCAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TRAILS BEHIND HIGH VALUE ON POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND FACT-BASED CONVERSATIONS; YET, GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION SHOWS ROOM FOR GROWTH

PE1: Please use the slider to show how much you agree or disagree that the statement describes you personally. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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MEN REPORT HIGHER LEVELS OF POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT ACROSS MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS GENDER DISPARITIES EVIDENT IN ACTIVITIES FROM SPEAKING OUT AGAINST MISINFORMATION TO ATTENDING CIVIC MEETINGS

PE1: Please use the slider to show how much you agree or disagree that the statement describes you personally. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AMERICANS EXHIBIT MIXED PROFICIENCY IN POLITICAL AND CIVIC HISTORY HIGH RECOGNITION FOR FOUNDING FIGURES, BUT NUANCES OF THE CONSTITUTION LESS UNDERSTOOD

HVC1: Now we’ll be asking you some questions related to foundational concepts and figures in U.S. history. Please answer each question to the best of your ability. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale.

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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

“THE GREAT EXPERIMENT: DEMOCRACY FROM THE FOUNDING TO THE FUTURE” NOVEMBER 2-4, 2023

PANEL TOPICS

AMERICANS VALUE MILITARY'S COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY BUT FAVOR RESTRICTED DOMESTIC INVOLVEMENT MIXED VIEWS ON CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT INDICATE UNCERTAINTY ABOUT CURRENT SYSTEM

PTM1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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PUBLIC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER CORPORATE INFLUENCE, SEEKS BALANCE IN CAPITALISM-DEMOCRACY RELATIONSHIP WIDESPREAD BACKING FOR REGULATORY MEASURES TO MITIGATE BIG CORPORATE PRESENCE IN POLITICS

PTDC1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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CONSTITUTIONAL CONVICTIONS: BALANCING TRADITION AND EVOLUTION IN AMERICAN VIEWS WHILE THERE'S BROAD AGREEMENT ON THE CONSTITUTION'S PROTECTIVE ROLE, PARTISAN DIVIDES EMERGE ON ADAPTABILITY AND TRUST IN THE SUPREME COURT

PTCE1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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ELECTION INTEGRITY: AMERICANS CALL FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM AND STRONGER SECURITY MEASURES CONCERNS OVER VOTER SUPPRESSION AND FOREIGN INTERFERENCE COEXIST WITH MIXED FEELINGS ON ELECTION ACCESSIBILITY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS

PTE1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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MEDIA IN THE CROSSHAIRS: AMERICANS QUESTION INDEPENDENCE BUT VALUE ROLE IN DEMOCRACY SOCIAL MEDIA IS SEEN AS A MAJOR POLARIZING FORCE; THE TRADITIONAL MEDIA'S ROLE IN ENSURING GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY REMAINS APPRECIATED, DESPITE TRUST ISSUES

PTJ1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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PUBLIC STRONGLY ADVOCATES FOR COMPREHENSIVE CIVIC EDUCATION IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS SKEPTICISM PERSISTS ON SCHOOLS' EFFECTIVENESS IN INSTILLING DEMOCRATIC VALUES

PTED1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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RESPECT FOR THE FOUNDING FATHERS, BUT A DESIRE FOR NUANCED UNDERSTANDING

PTFF1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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AI'S POTENTIAL & PITFALLS: A CALL FOR REGULATION CONCERNS OVER PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND SOCIETAL IMPACTS UNDERSCORE SUPPORT FOR ROBUST OVERSIGHT

PTAI1: Digging deeper into some specific areas connected to how democracy functions in the U.S., Please read each of the following statements and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement. Top 2 Box – 5 Point Scale. Strongly or Somewhat Agree.

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This government, the offspring of our own choice uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support.

- George Washington’s “Farewell Address”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

mountvernon.org/democracy Julie Coleman Almacy, Director of Public Affairs | jalmacy@mountvernon.org