Introduction

The upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States has sparked reflections about the nation’s identity, but a recent nationwide poll shows that fewer Americans now see their country as uniquely exceptional. Below, we examine how attitudes about exceptionalism, democracy, the American Dream, and diversity are evolving across age, political affiliation, and other demographics.

Body

According to the 2026 AP‑NORC Center survey of 2,596 adults, only about one‑quarter say the United States stands above all other countries. This figure contrasts sharply with the 44% that view the U.S. as one of the great nations and the 30% who believe other countries are better.

The poll highlights significant generational differences. Among adults under 30, 44% believe there are better nations than the U.S., whereas just 22% of those 60 and older share that view. Belief in American exceptionalism follows a similar pattern: older participants are more likely to affirm that the U.S. follows a distinct path of freedom and opportunity.

Democratic values also experience a shifting perception. Only about half of Americans under 30 see a democratically elected government as essential to the nation’s identity, compared to 81% of seniors. This suggests that younger generations are questioning whether their elected representatives truly embody the founding principles.

Central to the republic’s foundational narrative is the American Dream— the idea that hard work leads to prosperity. Yet, 51% of respondents now believe that the Dream once existed but no longer does, and only 22% of those under 30 feel it still holds true. In contrast, 46% of participants aged 60 and older hold a more optimistic view of the Dream’s viability.

Political affiliation sharply divides perspectives on both exceptionalism and the Dream. About 57% of GOP‑leaning adults still hold that the Dream survives, while only 17% of Democratic‑leaning respondents do. Republican participants are also far more likely to regard the United States as exceptional, with roughly 50% affirming that view compared with just 7% of Democrats.

The role of diversity in the nation's identity remains a topic of debate. The poll reports that 56% of all respondents say a shared American culture and set of values is extremely or very important, but only 51% regard the influx of people seeking refuge or opportunity as essential. Meanwhile, acceptance of cultural mixing is uneven across parties: 76% of Democrats see international cultural synthesis as central to the country’s identity, whereas only 40% of Republicans share that sentiment.

Conclusion

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary celebrations, this data paints a picture of a generation increasingly skeptical of the very ideas that once defined American identity. Questions about the resilience of democratic institutions, the fairness of opportunity, and the place of diversity threaten to reshape how Americans see themselves and their country— a shift that may continue to influence political discourse and national celebrations in the years to come.