New Rule of Law Study Reveals America's Diminishing Belief in Democracy

New Polling, Research, and Analysis Uncovers Societal Problems and Provides Solutions

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Ipsos survey and the Rule of Law report conducted by the Trust in Justice and the Online Courtroom Projects demonstrates how shifting norms and a transformed world are changing Americans' beliefs and values about who we are as a nation. 

Beyond the mid-term horse races and political polarization, the national survey and a series of nationwide focus groups reveals a truth beyond Democrats and Republicans, liberal or conservative, red or blue. Ahead of next week's elections, a group of scholars from the Brennan Center for Justice, The Heritage Foundation, law school professors, and a Federal judge will discuss the Rule of Law report and the public's declining faith in the Constitution, democracy, and the justice system. This important discussion will be held in New York on October 29th. 

To read the report, click on the following link.

Report link: https://6a1ab614-8a16-459a-b02b-6cb58b4e4148.filesusr.com/ugd/3f8f64_a8326bddd5fa4af39ac5ee5950176600.pdf

 To register for the event, click on the following link.

Link to event: https://www.nycla.org/course/nycla-amicus-curiae-rule-of-law-report-cle102926/

The Rule of Law study looks at what Americans believe about the separation of powers, equal rights, the First Amendment, and immigration, among other Constitutional issues. Among the surprising findings:

• Nearly one in five Americans would prefer authoritarian rule over democracy. 
• Nine to seventeen percent of Americans think that women, people of color, and LGBTQ people should have fewer legal rights than men, white people, and straight people. 
• A quarter of the country thinks the government should be able to restrict a free press and free speech in certain circumstances. 
• One in four Americans think that ICE should be able to deport anyone without a court hearing. 
• 70% of Americans believe that Congress makes and passes laws to serve the interests of politicians and their donors as opposed to the people they represent.

Link to the Ipsos factum on Rule of Law survey findings and methodology: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/americans-prioritize-democracy-accountability-and-facts

To better understand these important American attitudes, the Online Courtroom and Trust in Justice Projects also conducted a series of online focus groups with participants from around the country. These focus groups looked at why the American public feels the way they do, revealing the fears, anger, biases, and disillusionment that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents have about the course of this country.

The Rule of Law report details the social, cultural, political, and historical factors that mark a clear turning point in our country's history, while also demonstrating that Americans are less polarized than has been widely reported. While a majority of Americans still favor democratic ideals, this study discusses why the actions of the current and prior administrations, Congress, and the Supreme Court have eroded Americans' faith in our Constitution, our democracy, and the rule of law.

The Rule of Law Project report details five main reasons for Americans' plummeting trust in our system of government:

1. Americans believe that the political system is corrupt, serving billionaires, big corporations, and lobbyists instead of the public's needs.
2. Americans have become more mistrustful of objective facts.
3. Americans know they are being divided by the constant focus on which political "team" is winning and losing
4. Americans have a poor understanding of the complex mechanics of our democratic system of government.
5. As a result of shattered norms and a changing world, Americans have lost the meaning of democratic values and don't know what to believe.

Lead researcher Richard Gabriel writes in the report:

"What has become clear in this research is that the leaders of the country have grown increasingly detached from the people they represent. Democracy involves compromise and collaboration with people whom you sometimes vehemently disagree. Democracy is an imperfect governing mechanism in constant search for that more perfect union."

The report and the New York panel discussion provides a series of recommendations to help restore trust in our shared American values but also asks the fundamental questions, "If we no longer believe in some of the basic Constitutional and democratic principles, what do we believe? How do we define ourselves as Americans?" 

The Online Courtroom Project ("OCP") is a non-profit organization that studies the psychological, behavioral, and communication aspects of our legal system. The OCP provides research and recommendations to the courts and the legal profession to improve the efficacy of the justice process. 

https://www.onlinecourtroom.org

The Trust in Justice Project (TIJ) endeavors to study and address the systemic challenges eroding public confidence in America's legal system. By identifying these challenges and fostering dialogue, TIJ aims to empower communities, inform policy changes, and inspire confidence in the justice system's ability to deliver fairness for all. We envision a future where trust in the legal system is restored—a system that is transparent, equitable, and truly serves the public good. 

https://www.trustinjusticeproject.org

Contact: Gabriela Cedre – gcedre@decisionanalysisinc.com - 310-979-0999

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SOURCE Online Courtroom Project