Contrary to prevailing narratives, a significant majority of Americans express pride and gratitude for their nation, according to a recent survey. The poll, conducted by the Cato Institute and Morning Consult, found that 70% of Americans consider themselves at least moderately patriotic, with 45% identifying as very or extremely patriotic.
The survey of over 2,000 American adults, released in anticipation of the nation's 250th birthday, reveals that 63% of respondents feel grateful to be Americans, while only a small fraction, 2%, expressed no gratitude at all. These findings suggest a shared sense of fortune and a desire to protect what makes the country special.
Even among Gen Z, a demographic often characterized by critical views of the U.S., the survey indicates a notable level of patriotism. A majority of Gen Z respondents, 54%, reported being at least moderately patriotic, with only 9% stating they were not at all patriotic. This stands in contrast to the louder, more critical voices that often gain media attention, such as those seen in protests or on social media.
Emily Ekins, a public opinion researcher involved in the survey, noted that "Americans are a lot more patriotic than people realize. People are more on the same page than people realize." She added that a small subset with negative views of the country has a disproportionate presence in media discussions, while the majority of citizens hold more positive sentiments.
The poll also highlighted a strong connection between Americans and the nation's founding principles. Nearly three-quarters of respondents recognized the Constitution as very or extremely important for protecting their freedom and liberty. Furthermore, only 10% of those polled held an unfavorable view of the country's founding.
However, the survey did identify generational gaps in patriotic sentiment and views on the Constitution. For instance, 71% of Baby Boomers expressed a strongly favorable view of the Constitution, compared to 29% of Gen Z. Similarly, 69% of Boomers reported being very proud to be Americans, versus 35% of Gen Z.
Researchers suggest these differences may stem from varying levels of civic education. Data indicates that civic proficiency among 8th graders is low, with less than half having taken a dedicated civics class. Ekins suggested that the upcoming 250th anniversary could serve as an opportunity to enhance civics education and renew civic knowledge among younger generations. She emphasized the importance of teaching young people about their nation's history and their good fortune in the context of global history.
The survey's findings underscore a commonality of national pride that persists despite political divisions and the pervasive influence of social media, serving as a reminder that most Americans share a fundamental appreciation for their country.