Month: September 2024

Young Americans’ Views on U.S. Democracy

Posted on by Scot Wilson

On September 17, the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics at American University released results of a poll that focused on the views of Americans ages 18-34. The survey was designed by the Sine Institute in partnership with Future Caucus and Close Up Foundation and was based on interviews conducted by the Generation Lab, a data intelligence company that gathers and interprets the views and behavior of young adults. While the poll does focus on the 2024 election, it also explores broader themes about how young Americans are viewing, and making sense of, U.S. democracy. 

SEE: Full Results of the Poll 

As the data shows, young Americans are worried about democracy and are not optimistic or hopeful when they think about the future of the United States. However, they are optimistic and hopeful when they think about their own futures.  

Elsewhere in the poll results, young Americans give the government poor grades (out of a 4.0 scale) when it comes to: 

  • providing an opportunity for an affordable, quality college education to those who want it (1.72). 
  • having an economy where people can work and afford to take care of their basic needs (1.62). 
  • having an effective government that represents the interests of all Americans (1.61). 
  • having capable and trustworthy political leaders (1.47).

As the data indicates, young Americans think that political leaders do not pay enough attention to the priorities of average people, that they are too focused on winning reelection, and that they are unethical. They also indicated a desire for more compromise and a willingness to work in good faith to find solutions. 

In next week’s blog post, we will explore what young people say they are looking for in political leaders. 

Discussion Questions 

  1. When you think about the future of the United States, are you more optimistic or pessimistic? Explain your reasoning.
  2. How closely do your views about political leaders match the views of people who were included in this poll?
  3. What do you prioritize in a political candidate?

Related Blog Posts

As always, we encourage you to join the discussion with your comments or questions below.

Close Up is proud to be the nation’s leading nonprofit civic education organization, working with schools and districts across the country since 1971. If you would like to partner with us or learn more about our experiential learning programs, professional development, or curriculum design and consulting, contact us today! 

 

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Sine Institute of Policy & Politics

 

America in One Room: Data and Impact on First-time Voters Ahead of the Election

Posted on by Ashleigh Barber

Check out the unveiling of the America in One Room: The Youth Vote impact report! Learn about key findings, hear from participants about their experience, and discover how Close Up and DDL are spreading a culture of deliberative dialogue this election year through virtual deliberations with youth nationwide.

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Young Voters Prize Authenticity, Empathy in Candidates: Survey

Posted on by Maura O'Brien

Young Americans want to feel listened to by an authentic and genuine political candidate, according to a new survey from American University’s Sine Institute of Policy & Politics, providing insight into the key voting demographic weeks out from the presidential election.

The results were unveiled at the Sept. 17 event “What’s America Thinking: Young Voters of Today, Political Leaders of Tomorrow,” hosted by The Hill and the Sine Institute, which included a discussion with lawmakers, researchers and human rights and voter organizations.

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Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans

Posted on by Maura O'Brien

Sine Institute Survey Shows What Young Americans Look for in Leaders

The Sine Institute’s innovative “Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans” poll reveals new insight into the attributes that young Americans ages 18-34 look for in their political leaders, as well as other topics related to voting and other forms of civic engagement. This is the third annual Sine Institute survey focused on understanding young Americans’ unique perspectives on political leadership and engagement.— up from the reported 24% last year.

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Scripps News | Is the ‘American Dream’ Still Attainable?

Posted on by Maura O'Brien

A new study reveals that 67% of Americans believe they are on their way to achieving the American dream.

Throughout the country, most people hold a strong desire to achieve the “conventional” aspects of the American dream.

According to the Wall Street Journal, this includes owning a home, starting a family, and securing a comfortable retirement.

Despite this aspiration, only a limited number of people believe they can attain these goals. A new study reveals that 67% of Americans believe they are on their way to achieving the American dream, while 32% believe it is out of reach — up from the reported 24% last year.

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