Poll Finds Most Americans Expect Founding Fathers Would View Nation Negatively at 250

A new poll shows most American adults believe the nation's founders would disapprove of how democracy has developed as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. The survey of 1,000 adults, conducted from April 30 to May 6, found that 69 percent think the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed in the way American democracy turned out.

At the same time, 68 percent of respondents said they are proud to be American. More than half of those polled, 52 percent, said the United States has been unsuccessful in meeting its founding ideals, while 30 percent said it had worked out. Nearly three-quarters, 73 percent, rated the overall health of U.S. democracy as only fair or poor.

250 concert series announced a lineup that included several performers who later withdrew. Eight of nine headline acts pulled out after the events were described by some participants as having become divisive. Vanilla Ice remained the only star still scheduled to appear as of Tuesday morning. The White House stated that Freedom 250 is a separate entity from the administration.

The poll also examined views on the country's future role. Respondents expressed optimism about the United States having a uniquely important place in world history, while also showing concern about the current health of American democracy. The country remains divided on its outlook for the next 50 years, according to the survey results.