Dear John, In October 2025, for the fifth year, PolicyLink partnered with Lake Research Partners to survey 1,000 eligible voters on their core beliefs about democracy, the economy, and the power of people to shape the future. The results reveal that a majority of people in this nation continue to aspire for a nation that cares for all. Yet, alongside this shared aspiration, a tension continues to grow. Despite an overwhelming belief that it is important to include everyone in our democracy, more and more people believe that this future is not workable or achievable. Beliefs about whether ordinary people have the power to change this country — or whether that power is reserved for elites — track sharply along party lines. More Republicans feel that ordinary citizens have that power, while Democrats and independents moved in the opposite direction. |
Dear John, In October 2025, for the fifth year, PolicyLink partnered with Lake Research Partners to survey 1,000 eligible voters on their core beliefs about democracy, the economy, and the power of people to shape the future. The results reveal that a majority of people in this nation continue to aspire for a nation that cares for all. Yet, alongside this shared aspiration, a tension continues to grow. Despite an overwhelming belief that it is important to include everyone in our democracy, more and more people believe that this future is not workable or achievable. Beliefs about whether ordinary people have the power to change this country — or whether that power is reserved for elites — track sharply along party lines. More Republicans feel that ordinary citizens have that power, while Democrats and independents moved in the opposite direction. |
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At PolicyLink, we are reflecting on the fact that for a majority of this nation, the challenge is not one of vision. The challenge is a growing loss of faith in our collective power, and that of our institutions, to translate shared values into reality. And yet, we see a path forward. Throughout history, the common thread in our nation’s most transformative moments has been the enduring promise of the 14th Amendment and the opportunity to perfect our democracy. Each generation has carried forward the work of expanding freedom, justice, and equality — whether through revolution and the creation of the Constitution, the abolition of slavery and Reconstruction, the New Deal reforms during the Great Depression, or the Civil Rights Movement. Today, as in every era, We the People hold both the opportunity and the responsibility to carry forward this legacy. Galvanized by the victories of our people, our work ahead is seizing this mandate and creating, at long last, a democracy that fully delivers on its promise of a nation for all. Onward. PolicyLink |
At PolicyLink, we are reflecting on the fact that for a majority of this nation, the challenge is not one of vision. The challenge is a growing loss of faith in our collective power, and that of our institutions, to translate shared values into reality. And yet, we see a path forward. Throughout history, the common thread in our nation’s most transformative moments has been the enduring promise of the 14th Amendment and the opportunity to perfect our democracy. Each generation has carried forward the work of expanding freedom, justice, and equality — whether through revolution and the creation of the Constitution, the abolition of slavery and Reconstruction, the New Deal reforms during the Great Depression, or the Civil Rights Movement. Today, as in every era, We the People hold both the opportunity and the responsibility to carry forward this legacy. Galvanized by the victories of our people, our work ahead is seizing this mandate and creating, at long last, a democracy that fully delivers on its promise of a nation for all. Onward. PolicyLink |
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| Join us for Summit 2026The survey findings point to a central tension: people in the United States believe in a democracy that includes everyone, but fewer and fewer people believe that we have the power to achieve it. At Summit 2026, we'll gather to close that gap. We look forward to connecting thousands of leaders from across the country to build the relationships, strategies, and shared vision for a nation that governs for all. In case you missed it, we extended the early bird discount! We encourage you to register as soon as possible, as individual registration discounts are only available through March 31. |
Join us for Summit 2026The survey findings point to a central tension: people in the United States believe in a democracy that includes everyone, but fewer and fewer people believe that we have the power to achieve it. At Summit 2026, we'll gather to close that gap. We look forward to connecting thousands of leaders from across the country to build the relationships, strategies, and shared vision for a nation that governs for all. In case you missed it, we extended the early bird discount! We encourage you to register as soon as possible, as individual registration discounts are only available through March 31. |
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