Americans are exceptionally anxious about their political system, new Gallup polling shows
About ⅓ of Americans rated politics & government as the top issue facing their nation, behind only Taiwan — which faces the prospect of an invasion from China.
Wealthier countries are more likely to list politics as a top issue, as are democracies. But the US stands out as a country that’s particularly concerned about the stability of its democratic system and whether it’s still possible to get ahead economically.
Economic anxiety is linked to the health of democratic systems, according to Brendan Nyhan, a Dartmouth political scientist. “A world where people aren’t optimistic about their economic futures is one in which they’re willing to destabilize institutions even further,” Nyhan said.
Americans 35 and under are most likely to list economic issues — including the affordability of food and shelter — as a top issue.
AP / https://archive.li/aQ0fb #EconomicAnxiety #globalpol #uspol