A recent Pew Research Center report on the dismal state of American politics is a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. The findings highlight the public’s profound disillusionment with the current political system, with 65% of respondents feeling exhausted and 55% feeling angry when thinking about politics. A mere 4% expressed feelings of hope, and a mere 4% claimed to be excited about politics.
One of the most alarming revelations from the report is that just 4% of U.S. adults believe the political system is working extremely or very well. Another 23% say it is working somewhat well, leaving a staggering 63% expressing not too much or no confidence at all in the future of the U.S. political system.
This widespread dissatisfaction with the political system is rooted in a number of factors, including low trust in government and political institutions; only 16% of the public trusts the federal government always or most of the time.
Dissatisfaction with both major political parties: Nearly three-in-ten hold unfavorable views of both parties, the highest share in three decades. Furthermore, 25% of adults feel they are not well-represented by either party.
Underwhelming candidate choices: 63% of Americans expressed dissatisfaction with the candidates who have emerged thus far with a downward trend in the perceived quality of all political candidates, marking a 20 percentage point decrease since 2018.
The Pew Research Center report on the dismal state of American politics is a clarion call for change. The public is deeply dissatisfied with the current political system, and term limits are a critical reform that can help to address the public’s concerns.
Now, more than ever, it is time to heed the demands of 87% of Americans who want term limits and work toward making this reform a reality.