Gen Z Compared to National Baseline

The Civic Outlook of Young Adults in America is a first-of-its-kind national survey of 18–24-year-old Americans that sheds light on their civic knowledge, engagement, and commitment to democracy. Part of our multi-year research initiative to measure holistic youth civic preparedness in America, Citizens & Scholars commissioned Citizen Data to conduct a poll that surveyed 4,008 young adults across the country.

Gen Z Compared to the National Baseline

Compared to the national baseline, young adults are less satisfied with democracy, less likely to vote and participate civically. However, there is an opportunity to coalesce around shared values, as young adults say American democracy means equality (55%), justice (51%), and fairness (49%). They agree regardless of background, education, or ideology. Republicans and Democrats alike chose these values, and in the same order.

Gen Z could also help tackle national polarization. 37% find conversations with those with different views to be interesting and informative. By contrast, 41% of Americans of all ages found such discussions to be stressful and frustrating. 56% of young adults are opposed the use of violence to suppress dissent.