The majority of Americans are proud but worry about direction of the country

Key Points:

• A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows that while a majority of Americans feel proud to be American, nearly one-third are worried about the country's direction, and almost half believe the U.S. has strayed far from its founding principles.
• Pride in America varies significantly by political affiliation, with 93% of Republicans expressing pride compared to 45% of Democrats; 83% of Americans overall believe the nation has moved away from its founding ideals, a sentiment stronger than during the 1976 bicentennial.
• Concerns about democracy are high, with 82% seeing a serious threat, and although 12% strongly agree that violence might be necessary to correct the country's path, this is a decrease from previous years.
• Despite challenges, a majority of Americans remain hopeful about the future, with 59% skeptical that future generations will be better off, yet many still believe America's best days are ahead, emphasizing the need for economic and social reforms.
• Generational and partisan divides influence perspectives on national identity and progress, with younger Americans more likely to believe the country aligns with founding principles and some advocating for moving beyond traditional ideals toward a more inclusive future.