As the dust has settled from the consequential events of the 2020 presidential election, the January insurrection, and the subsequent Trump impeachment and acquittal, concerns loom over the health of America’s democratic political culture. Many fear that these events have eroded public support for democratic institutions. In this examination, we delve into a nationally representative survey, with a particular emphasis on a large oversample of Black Americans, to explore key hypotheses surrounding democratic support.

The first hypothesis addresses the breadth of support for democratic institutions. The second examines potential inter-group differences in this support, with a spotlight on the distinctive perspectives of Black Americans. The third hypothesis probes into the connection between awareness and assessment of the mentioned events and their impact on democratic support. Lastly, we explore whether support for these institutions is rooted in fundamental and steadfast democratic values.

The survey reveals a significant divergence in support for America’s democratic institutions, with Black Americans expressing notably less support. This finding prompts an exploration into whether the reverence for these institutions was undermined by the events surrounding the election and its aftermath.

Cautiously, the results suggest that the tumultuous events of the election and insurrection might not have substantially altered the opinions of Americans, both Black and White. Instead, it appears that those who already harbored low support for democratic values were more susceptible to narratives challenging the legitimacy of the election.

Throughout this analysis, robust inter-racial differences emerge, underscoring the complex dynamics at play within American society. As we grapple with the aftermath of pivotal political events, understanding these nuanced perspectives becomes crucial for fostering a resilient and inclusive democratic culture.