California Today

AP-NORC Poll: Only 1 in 4 Americans See US as Exceptional Ahead of 250th Anniversary

08 June 2026 04:50

A new AP-NORC poll shows only 1 in 4 Americans believe the U.S. stands above all other countries, down from 19% in 2016 who said there are better nations.

- Only 22% of Americans under 30 say the American Dream still holds true, compared with 46% of those 60 and older. - About two-thirds of adults say a democratically elected government is highly important to U.S.

identity, down from 80% in 2021. - Republicans are far more optimistic than Democrats, with 57% saying the American Dream still holds true versus 17%.

The survey highlights deep generational and partisan divides as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

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