Constitutional Accountability

Americans overwhelmingly agree that democracy is worth saving. In fact, 75% say they value democratic elections even when their preferred party loses. Democrats agree. Republicans agree. So why, exactly, are we so convinced the other side is trying to destroy it?

I went digging through the polling, and the results were fascinating. Republicans worry about voter fraud. Democrats worry about false claims of fraud and threats to voting rights. Both sides worry about misinformation, though apparently we can’t agree on what’s actually false. No wonder Thanksgiving dinner has become a contact sport. But here’s where things get especially interesting. Large majorities of Americans believe presidents must obey the law, respect court decisions, and accept constitutional limits. Yet those convictions become considerably less firm when following the rules interferes with what people want their government to accomplish. And nearly half of Americans don’t trust their fellow citizens to make sound democratic decisions.

So what are we really trying to save, and can we save it if we can’t agree on the rules? In Part Three of my 2026 election series, I explore the surprising agreements, troubling divisions, and uncomfortable questions the polling reveals. Read the full essay and consider one question: Would you defend the same constitutional principles if the other party held the White House?