Poll indicates many Americans believe rule of law has weakened
Axios · September 23, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
A survey conducted by Gallup and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation found that 56% of Americans believe the rule of law is weaker now than in 2016. While 78% of respondents believe government officials should follow laws, only 28% trust that political leaders will be held accountable if they do not.
Why it matters
The findings reflect public concerns about democratic integrity and government accountability in the U.S.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a voter concerned about government integrity?
This survey indicates that many voters feel the rule of law is weaker, which may lead to increased dissatisfaction with political leaders. A significant portion of the public believes that government officials should follow the law, yet only a small percentage trust that they will be held accountable, potentially influencing future voting decisions.
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