The promise of democracy is resonating less with young Americans, who are increasingly skeptical about the system's ability to address their most pressing concerns. Recent polls reveal a troubling trend: faith in the U.S. democratic process is waning among the younger generation.
In 2021, a Harvard University poll found that only 7 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 view the U.S. as a \"healthy democracy,\" while a staggering 52 percent believe it is either \"in trouble\" or \"failing.\" By late 2023, sentiments remained bleak, with over half of young adults expressing little to no trust in government institutions.
Yascha Mounk, a Political Theory lecturer at Harvard, attributes this decline to the government's failure to deliver results that matter to young people. \"For most Americans, supporting liberal democracy has always been tied to its ability to deliver tangible benefits. For young people, that's no longer true,\" Mounk explains.
One of the most alarming issues exacerbating this distrust is the rise in school shootings. A CNN graphic illustrates that by the 66th day of this year, there have already been 16 school shootings, surpassing previous years' totals. Studies indicate that the last five years have seen a significant uptick in such incidents compared to the prior two decades.
Despite the severity of the situation, responses from the U.S. government have been lackluster. Channel 4's Europe Editor Matt Frei criticized the ease with which firearms can be purchased, highlighting the gap between policy and public safety. Similarly, ReasonTV pointed out that recent gun laws lack bipartisan support and fail to offer sensible solutions.
Climate change remains another critical area where young Americans feel let down. High school student Faith Soliven emphasized the burden placed on her generation to address environmental issues, stating, \"We are going to be the ones carrying the weight of this role on our shoulders.\" A Washington Post poll corroborates this sentiment, revealing that 59 percent of voters aged 18-29 disapprove of the current administration's handling of climate policy.
The political gridlock in Washington is palpable. The 118th Congress has been labeled one of the least functional sessions ever, passing only 34 bills in its first year—the lowest since the Great Depression. The ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023 marked a historic moment of dysfunction, reflecting deep-seated issues within the legislative branch.
Young Americans are particularly disillusioned by the lack of effective representation from the two major parties. Pew Research Center data shows that young adults are less likely than previous generations to feel that either party adequately represents their interests. Nearly half wish for more political parties to choose from, signaling a desire for more diverse political options.
As the Eurasia Group's 2024 Top Risks Report highlights, the primary risk facing the United States is internal dysfunction. America's political system is perceived as more broken than those of other advanced democracies, threatening its stability and future.
The current trajectory suggests that the democracy many young Americans once believed in continues to disappoint and disengage the very generation that will shape its future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
