Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Our readersJune 01, 2018
(Photo: Randy Colas/Unsplash) (Photo: Randy Colas/Unsplash) 

Ninety-one percent of respondents to our survey told us that living in a democracy was either extremely or very important to them. “Democracy isn’t perfect, but I believe it offers the best framework for government,” explained Diana George of Palmyra, Va. “There are multiple paths to justice and to personal success and, ideally, recognition that all human beings are equally worthy.”

When asked the what is greatest threat to democracy in the United States, a third of respondents told America that it was money in politics. Michael Phung of Brighton, Mass., wrote: “The government’s purpose of being for the people has been subverted by money.” Barb Anderson of Blaine, Minn., concurred: “If money weren’t a requirement to run a successful political campaign, a wider variety of candidates—without interests in corporations—would have opportunities to run. Also, money seems to sway candidates and the elected too much.”

After money in politics, 19 percent of respondents pointed to voter apathy as the most significant threat to democracy in this country. “People need to vote and vote informed,” said Ann O’Brien of Framingham, Mass. Other readers emphasized the civic duty of eligible voters. Cherie Gaiser of Libertyville, Ill., told America, “When people do not understand that their freedom is linked to responsibility,” and fail to vote, others gain the power to enact their “own agenda.”

“People need to vote and vote informed." 

Polarization and extreme partisanship were cited by 13 percent, who felt these are the greatest threat to democracy. Emmett Blake of Texas wrote, “Extreme partisanship is the justification for surrendering democracy using gerrymandering, voter suppression and so on—placing the government in the hands of the parties over the people.”

Survey results

 

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
JR Cosgrove
6 years 11 months ago

Maybe somethings not mentioned are bigger threats. For example, a very biased press and education system which results in uninformed voters is probably the biggest threat of all.

The latest from america

Pope Leo XIV meets with Vice President JD Vance after the formal inauguration of his pontificate at the Vatican on May 18. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Leo I helped to ensure that Catholicism would outlast the Roman Empire. His name is a reminder that our faith rises above contemporary politics and temporal authority.
The Gospel parable of the “wasteful sower” who casts seeds on fertile soil as well as on a rocky path “is an image of the way God loves us,” Pope Leo XIV told 40,000 visitors and pilgrims at his first weekly general audience.
Cindy Wooden May 21, 2025
President Donald Trump, center, surrounded by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., speaks to reporters before a House Republican conference meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“These proposed changes threaten access to care for millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved areas, where our member systems work every day to provide quality, compassionate care.”
Kevin ClarkeMay 20, 2025
The Archdiocese of Chicago has scheduled a Mass and a special program to celebrate the election and inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, a native son of the Windy City.