Bright Line Watch, a multi-university initiative housed at CCD, has produced two new reports illuminating how Americans view the current state of U.S. democracy.
First, Bright Line Watch has completed its latest survey of experts, its 11th since 2017, to gauge views on the state of U.S. democracy. The survey finds that views of U.S. democratic performance are now at their lowest point since the surveys began, with this year’s declines greatest for protections of free speech, toleration of peaceful protest, and protection from political violence.
Second, the group has attempted to answer the question: What do voters think when a presidential candidate loses the popular vote, but still wins the election? Our collaborators have published a new paper, and accompanying Washington Post article, explaining perceptions of legitimacy when this happens. Interestingly, this research reveals a significant divide on this matter across political parties.