60% of Americans do not think that the president should be able to ignore the courts, including 86% of Democrats, 34% of Republicans, and 52% of Independents

58% believe that Congress should not impeach judges who rule against the president in power

61% believe that politicians need to work across the aisle even if it means giving up some of their key goals

Despite this, partisan Americans also view members of the opposite party as evil, including 63% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans

May 22, 2025 – Majorities of Americans respect the rule of law and the United States Constitution, according to new research from Public Agenda and the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. The findings, drawn from an omnibus survey administered by YouGov, reveal that, despite notable polarization, majorities believe the President is subject to the authority of the courts and see compromise as essential for the political process.

“What we’re seeing from Americans now, despite some contradictions, is a vindication of the rule of law in the federal government,“ said Sarah Bryner, PhD, Director at Public Agenda. “While many partisans still harbor animosity for the opposite party, Americans nonetheless see compromise and the separation of powers as critical for American institutions to function.”

“The fact that so many Americans harbor feelings of resentment towards the other party is concerning, as is the fact that a plurality of Republicans think that the President can ignore Court decisions,” said Scott Warren, Fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins. “However, there is still a significant percentage of pro rule-of-law Republicans, who are indispensable to support and understand at this moment.”

Key Findings:

• Most Americans believe that the President needs to accept Court decisions even if he believes that ignoring them is in the nation’s best interest. 

• • 59% of Americans do not think that the president should be able to ignore the courts, including 86% of Democrats, 34% of Republicans, and 52% of Independents.

• A similar percentage (58%) of Americans believe that Congress should not impeach judges who rule against the president in power. 

• • 81% of Democrats hold this belief, 39% of Republicans, and 48% of Independents. 
• President Trump has recently walked back claims that he was considering seeking a third term as President, and most (68%) Americans do not believe that the Constitution should be modified to allow for presidents to run for a third term. 
  • A majority of Republicans also hold this belief, with 54% disagreeing that the Constitution should be changed in this case.
• Even as Congress faces gridlock, elections nationwide continue to be decided by the slimmest of margins, and political polarization reaches unprecedented levels, 61% of Americans still believe that politicians need to work across the aisle even if it means giving up some of their key goals. 
  • 65% of Democrats, 62% of Republicans, and 51% of Independents either agree or strongly agree that politicians need to compromise. 
• Despite this desire for compromise, partisan Americans also view members of the opposite party as evil. 
  • 63% of Democrats agree or strongly agree with the statement that Republicans are not just bad for the country, but are downright evil. 
  • 57% of Republicans agree with the same sentiment about Democrats. 
  • Older Americans are more likely to feel this way, with 70% of baby boomers (Americans born between 1946 and 1964) who identify with a political party agreeing that opposite party members are evil, compared to 47% of members of Generation Z (Americans born between 1997 and 2011). 

Please cite Public Agenda and SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University when referencing these findings. Questions or requests, including inquiries about survey methodology or working with Public Agenda, can be directed to Public Agenda’s Press Office, [email protected].

Public Agenda and the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University surveyed 2000 American adults between May 1st and May 5th, 2025 as part of an ongoing omnibus survey administered by YouGov. 

###

About Public Agenda

Public Agenda is a national research-to-action organization that digs deep into the key challenges facing our democracy to uncover insights and solutions. Founded in 1975 by the social scientist and public opinion research pioneer Dan Yankelovich and former secretary of state Cyrus Vance, we engage with advocates, journalists, policymakers, and the philanthropic community to ensure public voice is heard in conversations that shape our shared future.

About SNF Agora at Johns Hopkins University

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University is an academic and public forum dedicated to strengthening global democracy through research, teaching, and practice. Founded in 2017 with a visionary $150 million gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the institute draws inspiration from the ancient Athenian agora—a space for open debate and deliberation—to bridge divides, expand civic engagement, and foster informed, inclusive, dialogue as the cornerstone of robust democracy.

For more information about the SNF Agora Institute, visit www.snfagora.jhu.edu.