The Pew Research Center probed Americans about the U.S. political system in unique depth, and results across many questions show a chasm between ideals and reality. [‘It’s just messed up’: Most think political divisions as bad as Vietnam era]Across 23 traits of democracy tested in the Pew survey, majorities of Americans rate their country positively on eight. The poll is not the first to document widespread pessimism about the country’s political system. The Pew survey explores where people see U.S. democracy falling flat, but Americans are not entirely downbeat. The Pew survey also found steep, if unsurprising, partisan divisions on whether President Trump has respect for the country’s democratic institutions and traditions.

Source: Washington Post April 26, 2018 18:18 UTC