A study by Derek E. Holliday, Shanto Iyengar, Yphtach Lelkes, and Sean J. Westwood finds that most Americans, regardless of political affiliation, strongly oppose antidemocratic actions and political violence. Despite high levels of affective polarization and exposure to divisive rhetoric, bipartisan support for democratic norms remains stable. The research uses data from a large survey of 45,095 respondents, showing that most people reject violations of democratic norms and support democratic values. The study also finds no evidence that elected officials' election denialism influences their constituents' attitudes. Instead, it suggests that political elites' antidemocratic actions contrast with the views of their constituents. The findings indicate that while American democracy faces threats from political elites, the public remains committed to democratic norms. The study highlights the importance of public opinion in shaping democratic values and the need for elected officials to align with democratic principles. The results suggest that public support for democracy is not a prerequisite for elite backsliding, and that democratic norms remain strong among the American public. The study also notes that while some politicians support antidemocratic actions, the majority of Americans do not. The research underscores the importance of maintaining democratic values and the need for elected officials to act in the public interest.A study by Derek E. Holliday, Shanto Iyengar, Yphtach Lelkes, and Sean J. Westwood finds that most Americans, regardless of political affiliation, strongly oppose antidemocratic actions and political violence. Despite high levels of affective polarization and exposure to divisive rhetoric, bipartisan support for democratic norms remains stable. The research uses data from a large survey of 45,095 respondents, showing that most people reject violations of democratic norms and support democratic values. The study also finds no evidence that elected officials' election denialism influences their constituents' attitudes. Instead, it suggests that political elites' antidemocratic actions contrast with the views of their constituents. The findings indicate that while American democracy faces threats from political elites, the public remains committed to democratic norms. The study highlights the importance of public opinion in shaping democratic values and the need for elected officials to align with democratic principles. The results suggest that public support for democracy is not a prerequisite for elite backsliding, and that democratic norms remain strong among the American public. The study also notes that while some politicians support antidemocratic actions, the majority of Americans do not. The research underscores the importance of maintaining democratic values and the need for elected officials to act in the public interest.