America’s collective civic values outweigh its divisions

If you spend any time doomscrolling on social media, you might be excused for thinking we no longer have common commitments. After all, if we can no longer make a difference in a shared civic project, why even try? 

Now, in search of “a new vision for America’s Exhausted Majority,” researchers at the nonprofit More in Common have organized the Beacon Project to gather data about our attitudes toward civic commitment. The last survey examines how Americans define civic responsibility and how these beliefs vary across groups.

There’s much to be encouraged about in the survey findings. Americans of all backgrounds overwhelmingly support a core set of legal and constitutional obligations—obeying the law, paying taxes, reporting for jury duty, following the Constitution, and voting—as essential responsibilities of citizenship.

On average, 93 percent agreed that “America would be a better place if more people had a sense of civic responsibility.” A similar proportion (92 percent) agreed that “Now, more than ever, it is important to honor our civic responsibilities.” Only 25 percent of respondents stated that “The idea of civic responsibility has little relevance to my daily life.” 

It is also worth noting the areas where Americans differ across demography and politics.

For example, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to support “being patriotic” (73 percent vs. 52 percent), “honoring the flag” (90 percent vs. 70 percent) and “loving America” (72 percent vs. 47 percent). Democrats express stronger endorsement than Republicans for “protesting unfairness” (65 percent versus 46 percent) and “welcoming refugees” (60 percent vs. 33 percent). 

However, there was minimal partisan disagreement on “defending freedom,” (86 percent for Democrats, 89 percent for Republicans), “following the Constitution,” (89 percent-93 percent) and “practicing freedom of speech: (76 percent-80 percent). 

There was strong support across generations for the responsibility of caring for future generations, ranging from 65 percent of Gen X to 78 percent of Gen Z. 

There were also evident generational gaps. “Being patriotic” is important to 73 percent of the Silent Generation and 69 percent of Baby Boomers, but only 48 percent of Gen Z. Similarly, “loving America” ranges from 69 percent of the Silent Generation to just 53 percent of Gen Z. Younger Americans express greater support for “protesting fairness” (65 percent of Gen Z vs. 48 percent of Baby Boomers) and “welcoming refugees” (55 percent of Gen Z vs. 41 percent of Baby Boomers).

What to make of all this? 

First, for all that divides us, Americans share a deep commitment to constitutional rights and civic responsibilities. We value these things, and even if we don’t practice our responsibilities as much as we should, we aspire to do better. 

Second, when it comes to the areas of disagreement across generational and political divisions (urban and rural differences are also noted in the study), we can either see them as realities we must live with, or divisions we must overcome. We can choose the path of dealing peacefully and respectfully with one another while we hold strongly to our shared commitments—including an attitude of tolerance and forbearance with one another as fellow citizens, or we can choose the all-too-familiar path of political warfare. 

If we choose the path of mutual respect, we might see our differing emphases and values as matters to be dealt with openly and civilly, or even to be appreciated as complementary influences in the balancing act that is a complex and free society. The choice is ours to make, and those who occupy leadership roles in politics and culture have a particular responsibility for choosing wisely. 

Finally, we can choose to do our part to serve our communities and our country, whether that involves helping our neighbors, serving in the military, donating to a local charity or running for a public office. We would do well to remember the exhortation of President John F. Kennedy to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” 

As we all think about the 250th anniversary of the country, perhaps it is time for a new era of what the American Founders might have called “public spiritedness.” We should push aside any reluctance to celebrate public-spiritedness because of false notions of conformism. Equally, we should challenge any romantic notion of individualism that can at times be atomistic and contribute to tribalism and fragmentation. The middle ground is a sense of social responsibility that allows us to maintain our individuality while recognizing that we are part of a community and owe something to it.  

America depends on both a shared commitment to our national project and a particular commitment to making a difference right where we are. Everyone has something to offer their fellow citizens, and perhaps it’s okay if our engagement with civic life looks a little different depending on our political values or generational outlook. The bottom line is that each of us can make a difference. 

Hans Zeiger is the president of the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History.