Patriotism, defined as pride in and loyalty to one’s country, is a unifying force that transcends partisan differences. In a two-party system, where power alternates between two major political factions, both parties must share a baseline commitment to the nation’s core principles—liberty, democracy, and opportunity—to govern effectively. This shared patriotism ensures that, regardless of ideological differences, both parties prioritize the nation’s well-being over narrow partisan interests. When only 36% of Democrats express high levels of national pride, it signals a potential disengagement from this shared commitment, which can erode trust in institutions, weaken civic participation, and hinder bipartisan cooperation.
In the U.S., the two-party system is designed to balance competing visions for the nation’s future while maintaining a common allegiance to its foundational ideals. Republicans, with 92% expressing strong national pride, demonstrate a robust attachment to the country, often rooted in traditional values and institutions. Democrats, however, with only 36% expressing similar pride, appear increasingly disconnected from this sense of national unity. This disparity, as Gallup notes, is particularly pronounced among younger Democrats and those influenced by political events, such as the Trump presidency. If one party’s base lacks majority pride in the nation, it risks prioritizing ideological purity or globalist perspectives over national interests, which can destabilize the delicate balance of the two-party system.
Low national pride among Democrats has tangible consequences for governance and civic life. First, it undermines the willingness to compromise, a cornerstone of a functioning two-party system. When a significant portion of one party feels alienated from the nation’s identity, they may be less inclined to engage in good-faith negotiations with their counterparts, viewing the nation’s institutions as flawed or unworthy of loyalty. This can lead to gridlock, as seen in recent years with polarized debates over issues like immigration, healthcare, and electoral reform. A majority of Democrats expressing national pride would signal a willingness to work within the system to improve it, rather than disengaging or advocating for radical upheaval.
Second, low patriotism can weaken civic participation. Voting, volunteering, and public service are driven by a sense of duty to the nation. If only 36% of Democrats feel proud to be American, it may translate to lower voter turnout or reduced engagement in community-building activities, further skewing political representation toward those with stronger national attachment (e.g., Republicans). This imbalance can exacerbate polarization, as one party’s base becomes more dominant in shaping the national agenda. A majority of patriotic Democrats would help ensure both parties’ supporters are equally invested in the democratic process, fostering a healthier electoral balance.
Third, the Gallup poll highlights a generational component, with only 4 in 10 Gen Z Americans (born 1997–2012) expressing high pride, compared to 6 in 10 Millennials and at least 7 in 10 older generations. Among Gen Z Democrats, pride is even lower, with 32% expressing little or no pride in being American. This generational shift, particularly pronounced among Democrats, suggests a future where one party’s base may grow increasingly detached from national identity, potentially leading to a one-sided patriotism that favors Republican dominance. For the two-party system to remain competitive and representative, both parties must cultivate majority patriotism across all age groups.
Shared National Goals: A two-party system thrives when both parties agree on fundamental national goals, such as economic prosperity, security, and social progress, even if they differ on methods. Patriotism fosters this shared vision. If Democrats’ pride remains at 36%, it may signal a rejection of these goals in favor of ideological or international priorities, fragmenting the national project. Republicans’ high pride, while admirable, cannot alone sustain a balanced system; both parties must be equally committed to the nation’s success.
The 36% pride among Democrats in 2025 is a dramatic drop from the likely 80–90% during Kennedy’s era. This decline reflects modern factors absent in the 1960s, including polarized views of patriotism (45% of Democrats in 2024 saw it as positive vs. 37% negative), generational shifts, and disillusionment linked to Trump’s influence. Kennedy’s era, by contrast, benefited from a less fractured political landscape and a unifying national narrative. Even under Carter, where pride was lower 40–50%, Democrats’ engagement in governance (e.g., passing energy legislation) suggests a baseline commitment to national progress, despite frustrations.
Low pride often correlates with distrust in national institutions, as seen in Democrats’ skepticism toward the political system (only 25% express pride in it, compared to 42% of Republicans). In a two-party system, both parties must trust and engage with institutions like Congress, the judiciary, and elections to govern effectively. Majority patriotism among Democrats would bolster confidence in these systems, encouraging reform from within rather than rejection.
Crises—whether economic, military, or social—require unified national responses. The Gallup poll notes that pride surged post-9/11, with 9 in 10 Americans expressing high pride, regardless of party. Today’s partisan divide, with Democrats at 36% pride, risks weakening this resilience. If a crisis emerges, low patriotism could hinder one party’s willingness to rally around shared national interests, delaying or diluting responses. Majority patriotism in both parties ensures a collective commitment to overcoming challenges.
The 56-point gap in pride reflects broader polarization, with Democrats viewing patriotism itself as divisive (37% see it as negative, per a 2024 SSRS poll). This perception risks alienating Democrats from the very concept of national pride, associating it with Republican rhetoric. For the two-party system to function, both parties must reclaim patriotism as a bipartisan value, not a partisan weapon. Democrats achieving majority pride would bridge this divide, fostering a shared sense of American identity.
Addressing the Decline in Democratic PrideThe Gallup poll ties Democrats’ low pride to Trump’s presidency, with pride dropping from two-thirds in 2017 to 42% by 2020 and now 36% in 2025. While political leadership influences sentiment, Gallup’s Jeffrey Jones notes, “It’s not just a Trump story.” Generational shifts and dissatisfaction with national direction also play roles. To restore majority patriotism, Democrats must address these root causes:
Democrats should redefine patriotism to align with their values—equity, inclusion, and progress—rather than ceding it to conservative narratives. Highlighting achievements like civil rights advancements or scientific innovation (91% of Americans express pride in U.S. scientific achievements) can rebuild pride.
Gen Z Democrats’ 24% pride rate demands targeted outreach. Emphasizing America’s potential for positive change, rather than its flaws, can inspire younger voters to see the nation as worth investing in.
Democrats should champion policies that unite rather than divide, such as infrastructure or education reform, which resonate across party lines. This can restore faith in the nation’s capacity to work together.
The Gallup poll’s finding that only 36% of Democrats are proud to be American is a warning for the two-party system. For the U.S. to thrive, both parties must maintain majority patriotism, ensuring shared commitment to national goals, institutional trust, resilience, and reduced polarization. While Republicans’ 92% pride is a strength, it cannot sustain the system alone. Democrats must reclaim patriotism, engaging their base—especially younger generations—with a vision of America that inspires pride. A two-party system where both parties are majority patriotic is not just desirable but essential for a united, functional, and forward-looking nation.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
