Marquette University Law School has begun releasing results from a new national survey focused on Americans’ awareness and attitudes toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Marquette Law School Poll conducted a nationwide survey to assess public engagement with the upcoming Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, and to measure opinions on national identity, patriotism, and the success of America’s founding ideals.
According to the poll’s official X account, the survey explored views on national politics and American life related to the anniversary.
The poll found that 26% of adults had heard or read a lot about the 250th anniversary, 57% had some awareness, and 17% had none. Seventeen percent were very interested in the anniversary, while 39% were fairly interested. Participants expressed positive views of the country. Seventy-five percent agreed that America is better than most other countries. Seventy-one percent said the nation has succeeded a great deal or a fair amount in achieving its founding ideals. Sixty-six percent said they were proud of the country.
The survey measured optimism about the future of American democracy, with 52% optimistic and 48% not optimistic.
Interest in the anniversary and positive views of the country varied by party and demographic group. Republicans and older adults generally expressed greater interest and more favorable opinions than Democrats, independents, younger adults, and some minority groups.
The poll compared current interest levels to those from the 1976 Bicentennial. In 1976, interest was similar across party lines, while the current survey shows greater partisan divides in interest and attitudes toward the 250th anniversary.
The survey also measured public favorability toward key figures from the nation’s founding. Benjamin Franklin received the highest net favorability, followed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold received negative ratings.
The Marquette Law School Poll, which has conducted nonpartisan surveys on Wisconsin and national issues since 2012, announced that additional results from the America 250 survey will be released in the coming days.
