With America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, America is at a crossroads.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, a new nationwide survey from the Independent Center Voice reveals that independent-minded voters are deeply concerned about the health of our democracy—but remain hopeful about the path forward if we're willing to break free from partisan gridlock.
The findings are stark: nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) rate the current health of American democracy as "unhealthy," with 29% calling it "very unhealthy." Only 31% believe our democratic institutions are in good shape. These numbers should serve as a wake-up call to every elected official in Washington.
A Resounding Call: "We Can Do Better"
Perhaps the most telling statistic from our survey is this: when asked about the current political climate, 85% of respondents said simply, "We can do better." Only 9% believe things are "fine" as they are.
This sentiment extends directly to our elected officials. A stunning 82% of registered voters say Washington can do better at their jobs, and the same percentage believes our representatives are falling short on addressing the issues that concern Americans most. These aren't partisan complaints—they reflect a broad, cross-ideological consensus that our political system has lost its way.
As one participant from our companion focus group study explained: "Very few laws actually benefit us, the average Joe. So, no, I don't think our leaders have what it takes because corruption is still the main thing."
Uncertainty About Our Democratic Future
Looking ahead to the next 250 years, Americans are far from confident. When asked whether they believe the American system of government will endure for another two and a half centuries, only 40% expressed confidence—while 48% said they were not confident. Nearly one in five (19%) said they are "not at all confident" our system will survive.
These concerns aren't abstract pessimism. Our focus group participants repeatedly pointed to specific structural failures: legalized corruption through campaign contributions, the entrenchment of the two-party duopoly, and representatives who prioritize donors over constituents.
"The two party system, quite frankly, is a joke," said Ian, a 39-year-old from Washington. "It's just a way that the capital class can make sure that they're constantly picking our candidates."
The Path Forward: Beyond Red and Blue
Despite the doom and gloom, our survey reveals a clear appetite for change—and a specific direction Americans want to go. When asked what would better serve the health of our democracy over the next 250 years, 56% of respondents chose "expanding our options to include more than just the two major political parties" over sticking with the current system (24%).
This desire for alternatives shows up in how voters plan to cast their ballots. The largest plurality (39% of registered voters) say they will "look past party labels to vote for candidates who prioritize bipartisan cooperation and seek to modernize the system." This outpaces both those committed to advancing a progressive agenda (22%) and those focused on a conservative one (20%).
Similarly, when asked how they intend to make their voice heard, 34% say they will support candidates "based strictly on their individual character and honesty, regardless of their party." Another 27% specifically want to "support independent or non-partisan candidates who promise to modernize our government."
A Generational Shift Is Coming
By the next presidential election, Millennials and Gen Z will comprise over half of the electorate—and a majority of these voters do not identify with either major party. Our survey asked whether this shift away from partisan labels is good or bad for democracy.
The answer was clear: 56% see this as a good thing for the future of our democracy, compared to just 20% who view it negatively. Americans seem to recognize that the rising generation's rejection of rigid party loyalty may be exactly what's needed to break the cycle of dysfunction.
As Heather, a 36-year-old from North Carolina, told us in our focus group: "I place my trust in the involvement and voice of the youth." Her optimism reflects a broader hope that new voices and new approaches can revitalize our democratic experiment.
What Comes Next
The 250th anniversary of American independence should be a moment of celebration—but it must also be a moment of reckoning. Our survey makes clear that Americans across the political spectrum share a common frustration: a system that no longer works for the people it's supposed to serve.
The good news is that the solutions are within reach. Americans want representatives who will work across the aisle. They want more choices on the ballot. They want to vote for character over party. These aren't radical demands—they're common-sense reforms that would strengthen, not undermine, our democratic foundations.
As we look to the next 250 years, the question isn't whether change is needed—85% of Americans have already answered that. The question is whether we have the courage to make it happen.
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