The Nationhood Lab studied what brings Americans together as a country. They found that most Americans still agree on basic values from the Declaration of Independence - like freedom and protecting each other's rights. The research tested different ways to tell America's story in the 21st century.
Through polls and interviews in 2024, they discovered that about 6 out of 10 Americans prefer defining the country by shared ideals rather than ancestry or heritage. This includes people of all backgrounds, ages, and education levels. The main exception was Republicans and Trump voters.
The researchers believe having a shared national story is important for democracy to work. Without it, they warn that demagogues can fill the gap with harmful messages. Their report, released in March 2025, offers a new way to talk about American values that brings people together.
The study was done by the Pell Center and included partnerships with polling companies. The findings suggest there's still hope for unity around core democratic principles, even in divided times.