A new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds that a smaller share of Americans view democracy as central to the country’s national identity as the United States approaches its 250th birthday. Across the outlets, the results are described as showing a decline in how many people connect U.S. identity with having a “democratically elected government.” The poll reports that 66% of respondents say such a government is either “extremely important” or “very important” for U.S. identity. Several stories frame the finding against the backdrop of upcoming celebrations of U.S. founding principles and broader perceptions of national exceptionalism. One outlet also highlights that younger adults are least likely to see democracy as central, though the other summaries focus more generally on the overall decline. The reporting is based on the same survey and emphasizes that Americans’ views on democracy and national identity are more mixed than many might expect ahead of major commemorations. Overall, the articles present the poll as evidence of shifting public attitudes rather than a specific assessment of policy or political outcomes.