As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, a newly released national survey reveals a surprising disconnect: while nearly half of Americans cannot identify the historic event being commemorated, large majorities remain proud of their country, value the Constitution, and continue to believe in America’s founding principles.

The poll, conducted by the Cato Institute in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed 2,253 adults across the country. It found that 46 percent of respondents did not know that the nation’s 250th anniversary marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Only 53 percent correctly identified the occasion.

Even with those shortcomings in historical knowledge, the survey found that patriotic sentiment remains widespread. Eighty-six percent of respondents said they are grateful to be Americans, while 79 percent said they are proud to be American.

Support for the nation’s origins also remained high. According to the survey, 76 percent view America’s founding favorably, and 70 percent believe the principles established by the Founding Fathers are still relevant today.

The results indicate that although many Americans struggle with basic facts about the nation’s history, most continue to identify strongly with the country’s constitutional framework and the ideals of liberty upon which it was founded.

Confidence in the Constitution also remains robust. Nearly 86 percent said the Constitution plays an important role in protecting Americans’ rights and freedoms, while 82 percent credited it with helping create the nation’s prosperity.

At the same time, respondents expressed concern that the country has strayed from its original vision. Fifty-seven percent believe America has drifted away from its founding ideals, and 56 percent worry the nation could lose its freedom within the next 50 years.

When asked about the greatest threats facing the republic, respondents most frequently pointed to corruption, abuse of government power, and elected officials ignoring constitutional limits.

Americans also continued to favor constitutional checks and balances. Fifty-eight percent said no political party should ever be entrusted with excessive power, while 72 percent said presidents should follow Supreme Court rulings even when they disagree with them.

One of the survey’s notable findings was the broad bipartisan support for America’s founding despite today’s deeply polarized political climate. More than 81 percent of Democrats and 86 percent of Republicans said they view the nation’s founding favorably. Likewise, 72 percent of Democrats and 83 percent of Republicans agreed that America’s founding principles remain relevant today.

Republicans, however, expressed stronger enthusiasm overall, with a greater share saying they were “very favorable” toward America’s founding and more convinced that those principles continue to apply today.

The survey also highlighted significant philosophical differences between the two parties on a range of issues.

Among the findings:

• Republicans (76%) were substantially more likely than Democrats (53%) to believe America remains a “land of opportunity.”
• Republicans were more likely to define their identity primarily through family, country, and religion, while Democrats placed greater emphasis on race and gender in addition to national identity.
• Democrats (46%) were more likely than Republicans (36%) to agree with the 1619 Project’s assertion that preserving slavery was a primary cause of the American Revolution.
• Democrats (51%) were more supportive than Republicans (37%) of expanding the Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices.
• Democrats (61%) were considerably more likely than Republicans to support candidates who identify as “Democratic Socialists.”
• Republicans were markedly more optimistic about the nation’s future, with 54 percent saying America’s best days still lie ahead, while 44 percent of Democrats believed the country’s best years are already behind it.

The survey also found pronounced generational differences. Nearly 61 percent of Generation Z respondents were unable to identify what America’s 250th anniversary commemorates. Younger Americans were also less likely than older respondents to view the Founding Fathers as courageous leaders or to believe they had inherited the nation’s founding ideals.

Support for socialism also appeared strongest among younger Americans. More than half of Gen Z respondents expressed favorable views of socialism, and nearly four in 10 said they viewed communism favorably—a significantly higher percentage than among older generations.

Despite political divisions and declining civic knowledge, respondents largely agreed on what future generations should learn from the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. The highest priorities included teaching that freedom is rare and must be safeguarded, understanding that patriotism means loyalty to America’s founding principles rather than allegiance to any political party or politician, and recognizing that American history includes both remarkable achievements and serious injustices.

Overall, the survey portrays a country whose citizens continue to express strong patriotism despite deep political disagreements and significant gaps in historical knowledge. Although many Americans could not identify the significance of the nation’s semiquincentennial, most still embrace the Constitution, believe the country’s founding ideals remain meaningful, and hope those principles will endure for generations to come.