Why Americans Are Losing Faith In Democracy

Democracy has long been seen as America’s defining feature: a country built on freedom, representation, and the principle of a government for and by the people. But today, more and more Americans are asking whether the system still works for them.

Poll after poll confirms a troubling reality: faith in democracy is eroding. Only 34% of Americans said they were satisfied with the way democracy is working in the United States, the second-lowest score ever recorded. Meanwhile, 72% believe the United States is no longer a good example of democracy for the world.

What’s driving this disillusionment, and what can we do about it?

What Does “Losing Faith in Democracy” Actually Mean?

Losing faith in democracy doesn’t necessarily mean rejecting democratic elections or civic participation altogether. It often means something more nuanced:

• Feeling like your vote doesn’t count

• Believing that politicians serve donors, not constituents

• Watching elected officials prioritize partisan games over problem-solving

• Feeling trapped in a two-party system with no real alternatives

This erosion of trust leads to disengagement, voter apathy, and a weakening of the nation’s democratic fabric. It’s a problem with real consequences for representation, participation, and governance.

Why This Matters: The Cost of Disillusionment

When people lose trust in democracy, the entire system suffers. 

Low faith in democratic institutions can lead to:

• Lower voter turnout, especially in local and off-year elections

• Increased polarization, as people retreat into echo chambers or adopt nihilistic “burn it all down” mindsets

• Vulnerability to authoritarianism, conspiracy theories, and political violence

• Declines in civic engagement, from volunteering to town hall participation

Simply put, when people check out, powerful interests check in. That’s how democracy breaks down, not with one big event, but with slow disconnection.

What Causes Lost Faith in Democracy?

Five core aspects of our current political system are driving this loss of faith: 

1. The Rigged Nature of the Two-Party System

The U.S. political system is effectively a duopoly. Democrats and Republicans control ballot access, fundraising networks, debate stages, and media coverage, making it nearly impossible for Independent candidates or new parties to compete fairly.

Voters who don’t feel represented by either party often feel forced to choose between the "lesser of two evils" or stay home altogether. This system fuels cynicism and stagnation.

LEARN MORE: Explore why the United States has a two-party system.

2. Polarization and Partisan Gridlock

Hyper-partisan politics has created a culture of obstruction, where elected leaders prioritize beating their opponents over solving problems. Policies are inspired by opposition to the other party instead of constituent wants and needs. The result is endless gridlock on issues like climate change, healthcare, and economic justice, even when broad public support exists.

The two-party structure incentivizes division over collaboration, making meaningful progress rare and trust even rarer.

3. The Influence of Money in Politics

Big money has saturated American elections. Thanks to Citizens United and related rulings, a handful of mega-donors shape political outcomes, often prioritizing special interests over the public good.

Even at the local level, dark money and super PACs influence who gets elected and what policies they pursue.

LEARN MORE: See how big money corrupts local elections.

4. Limited Choices, Strategic Voting, and “Wasted Votes”

Voters often feel forced to vote strategically rather than authentically. Even if they align more closely with a third-party or Independent candidate, they fear “wasting” their vote or inadvertently helping their least-preferred major party win.

This dynamic discourages new voices and reinforces the status quo.

5. Corruption and Erosion of Norms

From revolving-door lobbying to ethics scandals, Americans are bombarded with examples of leaders putting personal or political gain ahead of public service.

Attacks on the media, judiciary, and election administrators have further weakened trust in democratic institutions.

How We Fix It: Real Solutions to Restore Faith in Democracy

Although things may feel dire, hope is not lost. There are several steps we as Americans can take to pull our country from the brink and build something stronger. 

1. Spread Ranked-Choice Voting

Ranked choice voting (RCV) lets voters rank candidates in order of preference, eliminating the spoiler effect and encouraging more diverse, issue-based campaigns. It empowers voters to support the candidate they truly believe in.

LEARN MORE: Understand how bottom-up politics can fuel political reform. 

2. Enact Stronger Campaign Finance Reforms

We need to limit the influence of money in politics by:

• Enforcing donation caps

• Enhancing transparency for all political spending

• Exploring public financing and democracy voucher programs

These reforms would help level the playing field for Independent and grassroots candidates.

LEARN MORE: Check out what campaign finance reform is and why it matters. 

3. End Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering distorts representation by letting politicians choose their voters instead of the other way around. Implementing non-partisan redistricting commissions is crucial for restoring fairness.

4. Improve Ballot Access

It should not take thousands of signatures, legal battles, hundreds of dollars, or party gatekeeping to appear on the ballot. We need standardized, equitable rules that enable more candidates outside the two-party system to run for office.

5. Civic Education and Media Literacy

Rebuilding trust also requires equipping Americans with the tools to navigate complex information, identify disinformation, and understand how their government actually works. That includes:

• Making civics a core part of public education

• Supporting local journalism

• Encouraging voter-led research and peer-to-peer learning

These changes won’t happen overnight, but they are real, achievable, and already working in communities across the country. Restoring faith in democracy starts by rebuilding the systems that empower people, not parties.

LEARN MORE: Start building your civic knowledge with our beginner's guide to politics. 

The Role of Independent and Third-Party Movements

If we want to rebuild trust in democracy, we need new leaders.

Independent and third-party candidates are essential to that change. They aren’t tied to party donors, legacy platforms, or political gatekeepers. Instead, they run on values, not party lines, a radical act in today’s system.

Non-partisan movements bring fresh ideas, amplify local priorities, and create space for candidates who actually reflect the communities they serve. They challenge the belief that politics has to be partisan, corrupt, or out of reach.

With 62% of Americans saying they’re dissatisfied with the way democracy is working here and 43% identifying as politically Independent, the voters are ready. They want more than the “lesser of two evils.” They want candidates who listen, lead with integrity, and put people over party.

Supporting Independent candidates helps break the two-party doom loop, but it also starts building a better alternative from the ground up, where democracy works because it finally reflects the people in it.

LEARN MORE: Explore how voting Independent can cure political apathy. 

We Can’t Afford to Give Up on Democracy

Faith in democracy is not something we can take for granted. It must be earned and protected every day.

Yes, the system is flawed, but democracy doesn’t have to be defined by the power of the parties. It can and should be defined by the power of the people.

By embracing electoral reforms, amplifying Independent voices, and building civic infrastructure from the ground up, we can restore trust in our democracy and build a system that actually works for all of us.

Photo by Tari Donohue on Unsplash