A new study warns that many American voters choose neutral answers on questions about democracy. These voters do not clearly support or oppose actions that could weaken democratic rules.
Researchers used three surveys of voting-age Americans. They asked whether people agreed, disagreed, or felt neutral about four undemocratic practices: reducing polling stations for the opposition, ignoring opposition court decisions, putting party loyalty above the Constitution, and censoring partisan media.
About half of participants were neutral on at least one question, and fewer than one in five explicitly supported undemocratic practices. The authors say politicians can act if the public does not hold them accountable.
Difficult words
- neutral — Not clearly for or against something.
- undemocratic — Not following democratic rules or principles.
- opposition — The group or parties against the ruling party.
- polling station — A place where people go to vote.polling stations
- censor — To block or remove public information.censoring
- accountable — Responsible for actions and answers to others.
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think some voters choose neutral answers about democracy?
- Which of the listed undemocratic practices worries you most, and why?
- How can the public hold politicians accountable in your view?
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