As the approaches its 250th anniversary, the country appears to be facing a deep identity crisis, with fewer Americans expressing pride in their nation, religion, and democratic system.
A recent survey by (PRRI) found that Americans are increasingly divided along ideological lines, with many viewing their political opponents not just as rivals, but as threats to democracy itself.
According to the findings, only 51 percent of Americans now say they are extremely proud of their citizenship, down sharply from 82 percent in 2013.
The survey also highlights growing partisan divisions over what defines being “truly American.” Fewer than half of Democrats consider being born in America (42 percent), believing in God (41 percent), or being Christian (29 percent) as essential to national identity. In contrast, a majority of Republicans see these factors as important.
Confidence in the “American Dream” has also weakened significantly. Less than half of respondents believe hard work is enough to succeed in life. Among young adults aged 18 to 29, that belief has fallen from 50 percent in 2024 to just 36 percent this year.
PRRI founder and president said the survey reflects a widening divide over faith, democracy, and American identity, with Republican views increasingly moving away from the mainstream.
The depth of the crisis is underscored by another finding: only 18 percent of Americans say they are proud of the country’s current democratic system.
The survey was conducted online between May 1 and May 18, 2026, among 5,469 adults across all 50 US states, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.53 percentage points.
