A landmark survey of American opinion at 250 years — pride, democracy, the dream, and what comes next.
Navigator set out to learn what Americans think at 250 years — on national pride, the flag, democracy, and the American dream. Two and a half centuries after independence, we found a nation with strong views about itself and each other.
Navigator Research surveyed 2,059 Americans from May 27–June 1, 2026 and held four focus groups to capture how the country sees itself at this milestone. Survey results are weighted to reflect the national registered voter population.
of Americans say the country is on the wrong track
1 in 3 think in 250 years, America will be better off than it is right now
say being American is very important to their identity
Pride & Identity
We asked respondents to select from a list of options what makes you most proud to be an American. We found Americans are immensely proud of the freedoms this country provides – many cite they wouldn't be able to have many of these freedoms elsewhere.
“This democracy of ours is fragile, it's precious."
Democracy & Rights
Freedom is central to the American experience. See more about how Americans feel about their freedoms.
say freedom is an important value to being an American.
0%
of Americans say democracy is extremely important to them.
Economy & the American Dream
Americans have a complicated relationship with the American Dream. More than a third of Americans (34%) say it is no longer achievable. 39% say they are currently living or have lived the American Dream.
think the American Dream is still achievable, but it is much harder for most Americans today than in the past
3 in 10 think they’ve achieved the American Dream while the same number (29%) think it’s out of reach.
“I think my parents are the epitome of the American dream. My dad and mom came with a suitcase and a couple hundred bucks, and then not even 10 years later, they owned their own house, they had me, both got stable jobs, just working hard. And I feel like nowadays I don’t think you can do that anymore.”
What It Means to Be American
The numbers tell a complicated story. Americans are clear-eyed about the country's problems, yet stubbornly hopeful about its future. Across every divide, one thread holds: the belief that the American story is still being written.
How do people feel about being an American today?
“I have faith and high hopes that America will be great again. I think we have to hit rock bottom, pick ourselves up and get better. And I have hopes that better days are coming.”
American Icons
We asked Americans who from American history, both past and present, best represents what it means to be an American. These are the top five answers.
01
named by 46%
02
named by 44%
03
named by 43%
04
named by 35%
05
named by 34%
Old Glory
The American flag evokes meaning and emotion for many. We asked whether Americans fly it—and what it says about them when they do.
Do you display an American flag outside your home, such as on your house, apartment, porch, yard, or vehicle?
Which political party do you associate more with the American flag?
250 Years
The top five events across 250 years that Americans say make them proudest to be American. (Q66)
say the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights
say the abolition of slavery
say the expansion of voting rights to include women and Americans of color
say the Civil Rights movement
say firefighters and first responders saving Americans on 9/11
"Every 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, I feel patriotic because they have the little white crosses with the American flag out there and it sinks in. It's like, 'Yep, I was a lucky one.'"
Two and a half centuries in, Americans are neither naive nor defeated. They see the cracks, and they still bet on the future. The country's defining trait isn't agreement, it's a refusal to stop striving for a better tomorrow.
who say they believe the country’s best days are still ahead.
And when Navigator asked what would you put in a time capsule for future generations to find, one veteran shared:
“The Constitution... 'Boys and girls, just in case you forgot, this is where we came from and this is where we're supposed to stay with.'”
Interactive
Are you proud to be an American?
Are America's best days ahead or behind us?