The nation’s top birthday wish as it turns 250

In just over a week, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary the Declaration of Independence.

Below are five charts on how Americans feel about the nation’s 250th anniversary, how Americans feel about America 250 events, and the country’s top birthday wish for the republic’s future.

1. What does America’s 250th anniversary mean to Americans themselves? It depends on who you ask. The country’s 250th birthday resonates the most with older and Republican-leaning Americans, and the least with younger, Black, and Democratic-leaning Americans.

2. Important – but too “political”? A large majority of Americans, including majorities across partisanship, say celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country is important. However, when it comes to America 250 events specifically, many feel they have become “too political.”

3. Perhaps partially as a result, plans to attend a 250 event are divided. Democrats and independents are less likely than Republicans to say they will likely attend an event celebrating America 250 held by federal, state, or local governments. A reflection of the divided times.

4. Despite the divisions… When asked what would make America's 250th birthday most meaningful, the country’s top choice was unity and greater cooperation from elected leaders. Notably, it was the only option that earned majority support from Republicans, Democrats, and independents.

5. The road ahead. Americans largely feel the country has more work to do to live up to its founding promises. Hope still exists for what the country can be, but it hinges on the very thing Americans are wishing for: unity.

Broadly, Americans have a range of concerns about the country’s future. Many Americans question if the country’s promises – such as the American Dream – still hold true today. A majority say the country is divided over a lot of issues and is splitting apart. Two-in-three doubt the country will last another 250 years.

But despite widespread divisions and doubts, optimism endures.