This year, Americans' collective Fourth of July plans look a lot like they have in recent years. According to the latest Economist/YouGov poll, many will be spending time at home, or perhaps joining a barbecue or gathering with friends and family. For 13% there will be fireworks – with as many shooting off their own fireworks as will be watching a professional display.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans (66%) plan to celebrate Independence Day the same amount as usual, with 27% celebrating less than usual and 7% saying they’ll be celebrating more. About one in five Americans (18%) say they will do nothing to celebrate the holiday.
The Fourth of July is often viewed as a time of patriotic celebration, with three in four Americans thinking of themselves as at least somewhat patriotic. Two in five (40%) say they are “very patriotic.” Senior citizens, Republicans, and veterans are among the most likely to say that they are “very patriotic.” More than half of Americans (53%) say the public is becoming less patriotic – up 8 points since 2019 and up 7 points since 2013, the first time the Economist/YouGov Poll asked the question.
YouGov asked whether a person who has engaged in one of a variety of activities can still be considered patriotic. Majorities from each of the major parties say that a person who peacefully protests, criticizes President Biden, or criticizes Donald Trump can still be considered patriotic. Democrats and Republicans disagree on two circumstances, however. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say a person can burn an American flag in protest and still be patriotic. Republicans, on the other hand, are more likely than Democrats to say a person who participated in the January 6 Capitol attack can still be patriotic.
— Carl Bialik contributed to this article
This poll was conducted on June 25 - 28, 2022 among 1,500 U.S. adult citizens. Explore more on the methodology and data for this Economist/YouGov poll.
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