Yes, we’re divided. But new AP-NORC poll shows Americans still agree on most core American values

By GARY FIELDS and AMELIA THOMSON DEVEAUX
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that most Americans share many core values on what it means to be an American despite the country’s deep political polarization. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 9 in 10 U.S. adults say the right to vote, the right to equal protection under the law and the right to privacy are important or very important to the U.S.’s identity as a nation. The findings are striking because they come at a time of extreme partisanship when political agreements seem rare. Yet a more pessimistic assessment was reflected in another finding — only about 3 in 10 Americans believe the nation’s democracy is functioning well.