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2024

Economic

Inflation and Cost of Living

01

  • What: Although inflation began to ease, the cumulative effect of years of higher prices left Americans feeling squeezed. Essentials such as housing, energy, and food remained far more expensive than before the pandemic.

  • Why it matters: Inflation erodes real wages and drives economic frustration, influencing elections and public confidence. When basic costs rise faster than incomes, it disproportionately harms lower-income and younger Americans.

  • Facts: Roughly six in ten Americans described inflation as a “very big problem” in national polls throughout 2024.

Political

02

Political Extremism and Threats to Democracy

  • What: Public concern grew about increasing partisanship, disinformation, and violence linked to political divisions. Many Americans expressed worry about whether democracy itself was functioning as intended.

  • Why it matters: Perceived instability in democratic systems reduces civic engagement and weakens institutional legitimacy. When citizens lose trust in elections and representation, the entire political structure becomes vulnerable.

  • Facts: Political extremism and polarization were cited more frequently than any single policy issue in 2024 national polling.

Political/Social

03

Immigration and Border Security

  • What: Border crossings reached record levels, sparking debate over enforcement, humanitarian aid, and the role of states versus the federal government. The issue remained front and center in Congress and state legislatures.

  • Why it matters: Immigration affects the economy, public safety, and social cohesion. It often shapes how Americans view fairness, national values, and the rule of law.

  • Facts: Immigration consistently ranked among the top “most important problems” in 2024 surveys.

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2023

Political

​Dissatisfaction with Government Leadership

01

  • What: Frustration with political gridlock, partisanship, and perceived inaction dominated public sentiment. Americans voiced dissatisfaction with both major parties and Congress’s ability to solve pressing national problems.

  • Why it matters: When trust in government declines, civic participation and compliance with laws weaken. Polarization and stalemate can delay solutions to critical issues such as the economy, immigration, and health care.

  • Facts: “Government” was cited as the single most common problem in national polls throughout 2023.

Economic 

02

Inflation and Economic Uncertainty

  • What: The lingering effects of the pandemic and the debt-ceiling standoff created worries about a possible recession. Although unemployment stayed low, prices and interest rates remained high.

  • Why it matters: Economic instability shapes everything from consumer spending to business investment. Prolonged uncertainty can slow job growth and lower confidence in long-term prosperity.

  • Facts: Americans repeatedly named the economy and inflation among their biggest concerns during 2023.

Political/Social

03

Immigration and Border Policy

  • What: Debates over asylum processing and border enforcement intensified. Communities along the border faced infrastructure strain, while national discussions centered on reform versus restriction.

  • Why it matters: Immigration policy affects workforce size, cultural diversity, and social services. Poorly managed systems can create humanitarian challenges and political backlash.

  • Facts: Immigration ranked in the top tier of issues for voters throughout the year.

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2022

Political

​Dissatisfaction with Government Leadership

01

  • What: After a contentious midterm cycle, Americans expressed frustration with political divisions, perceived corruption, and ineffective policymaking.

  • Why it matters: A lack of confidence in elected leaders limits the ability to pass laws and undermines national unity. It also fuels voter apathy and distrust across party lines.

  • Facts: “The government” was the most frequently mentioned problem of the year in national opinion tracking.

Economic 

02

Inflation and High Cost of Living

  • What: Price increases hit a 40-year high as supply-chain issues and global energy disruptions pushed costs up across the board.

  • Why it matters: Inflation affects everyone but especially lower-income households. It changes how families save, spend, and evaluate government performance.

  • Facts: Inflation remained one of the top two concerns in nearly every major poll of 2022.

Economic

03

Overall Economic Conditions

  • What: Beyond inflation, Americans worried about job stability, market volatility, and the risk of recession.

  • Why it matters: Broad economic health influences everything from tax revenues to personal financial planning. Even when jobs are plentiful, economic fear can dampen consumer confidence.

  • Facts: The economy consistently appeared in the top three national issues through 2022.

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2021

Social

COVID-19 Pandemic & Public Health

01

  • What: The vaccine rollout, emergence of new variants, and debates over mandates dominated public attention. Many Americans were fatigued by restrictions and uncertainty.

  • Why it matters: The pandemic tested public health systems and public trust in science. It also deepened economic and educational inequalities.

  • Facts:  COVID-19 remained one of the top-mentioned national issues in surveys through most of 2021.

02

Political

Dissatisfaction with Government and Political Division

  • What: Americans remained deeply divided over policy direction and party identity. The aftermath of the 2020 election kept political tension high.

  • Why it matters: Division in government and society erodes faith in democracy and makes it harder to address shared challenges. Without compromise, even widely supported policies stall.

  • Facts: National polling showed government dissatisfaction surpassing all other single issues by late 2021.

Economic

03

Rising Inflation and Cost Concerns

  • What: The transition to the new administration and ongoing divisions (ideology, party ID) deepened. 

  • Why it matters: Growing polarization undermines consensus policy making and institutional trust.

  • Facts: In 2021, Gallup noted Americans are more socially divided than economically, and approval ratings for the presidency changed rapidly.

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2020

Social

COVID-19 Pandemic

01

  • What: The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus upended health systems, employment, and education worldwide. Lockdowns and hospital overloads defined much of public life.

  • Why it matters: Beyond the immediate loss of life, COVID-19 caused long-term economic and social disruption, changing the way Americans work, vote, and interact.

  • Facts:  The pandemic was cited by nearly half of Americans as the most important issue at its peak in 2020.

Economic

02

The Economy and Jobs

  • What: The United States entered a rapid recession as businesses closed and unemployment reached levels unseen since the Great Depression. Relief packages and stimulus checks aimed to stabilize families and markets.

  • Why it matters: Economic stability underpins every other issue. The pandemic-driven downturn reshaped how Americans view government assistance and job security.

  • Facts: Job losses exceeded 20 million in early 2020, with recovery varying sharply by sector.

Social/Political

03

Race Relations and Social Justice

  • What: Following the death of George Floyd, protests spread nationwide calling for racial equity and police reform. Public discussions about systemic racism intensified.

  • Why it matters: Social justice movements challenged institutions and sparked new legislation, education reforms, and shifts in public opinion.

  • Facts: Race relations ranked among the top national concerns throughout mid-2020, marking a pivotal year for civil rights awareness.

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