Americans agree their democracy is in crisis – yet the solution is as simple as it is elusive

A majority of Americans say the country has turned away from its founding ideals, and more than a third believe violence may be necessary to get the nation back on track. Mint Images/Mint Images RF via Getty Images

Despite being divided on most issues, an overwhelming majority of Americans agree that their democracy is in a state of crisis or facing serious challenges.

A few of the symptoms of the problem: Close allies see the U.S. as a threat to peace. Immigration raids by poorly trained federal agents have terrorized cities. President Donald Trump claims that only his own sense of morality limits his power. The Trump administration has politicized the Justice Department, and many of Trump’s political nominees refuse to acknowledge that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.