Poll: Americans see rule of law declining in U.S.

A recent survey of over 23,000 U.S. adults reveals that a majority of Americans believe the rule of law in the country is weaker now than it was a decade ago, during the time Donald Trump was first elected president. The poll, conducted by Gallup and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation for their Democracy for All Project, found that 78% of respondents agree that government officials must always follow laws and the Constitution, but only 28% trust that political leaders will be held accountable if they violate these principles.

When asked what one step could improve U.S. democracy, respondents most frequently suggested throwing out incumbents (17%), followed by electoral reform (13%) and limiting executive power (9%). The survey also found that older Republicans (65+) are significantly less trusting of election officials now than they were a year ago, with 42% believing it's reasonable to assume they acted improperly when election outcomes are surprising, up from 30%.

Democrats and independents were more likely than Republicans to say the rule of law is weaker, with 57% preferring candidates who challenge powerful or established interests, compared to 42% who prefer candidates who work within the establishment. The data also shows a decrease in the public's comfort with openly expressing opinions about government and laws, and rising concerns about democracy from Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.