{"id":27766,"date":"2024-03-13T09:51:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T14:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2024\/03\/13\/government-reform-special-interests-and-the-media\/"},"modified":"2024-10-23T17:02:41","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T21:02:41","slug":"government-reform-special-interests-and-the-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/government-reform-special-interests-and-the-media\/","title":{"rendered":"2. Government reform, special interests and the media"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Though political systems vary across the 24 countries surveyed,[1. The 24 countries surveyed include parliamentary republics, presidential republics, constitutional monarchies, federal republics and semi-presidential republics.] citizens in each call for similarly broad changes to government rules and norms. In most countries surveyed, government reform <\/strong>\u2013 including calls for transparency, term limits <\/strong>and adjusting the balance of power<\/strong> between institutions or across levels of government \u2013 are in the top three most referenced changes. While many themes cross borders, there are some very specific proposals mentioned in each country to adjust the governmental system, such as abolishing the House of Lords in the UK or establishing a Sixth Republic<\/a> in France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The need to curb the influence of special interests<\/strong> and combat corruption<\/strong> ranks in the top half of the 17 substantive topics coded, with people broadly calling to limit the financial benefits given to career politicians, control the influence of special interest groups and deal with outright corruption. Still, country specific complaints emerge, such as the influence of super PACs<\/a> in the U.S. or the amakudari<\/a> system in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media reform<\/strong> is mentioned less frequently in most places. But in Hungary, Australia, South Korea, the U.S. and Sweden, changing the media is one of the top 10 coded topics, with complaints centering on issues like the need for a free, independent and unbiased press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government reform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In most of the countries surveyed, government reform is frequently mentioned as means to improve democracy. In half of the 24 countries surveyed, government reform ranks among the top three improvements for democracy. In most of the rest, it is a top-five issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, in the U.S., calls for system-level reform were more common than any other response, tied with politicians. (For more on views of politicians, read <\/em>Chapter 1<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reforms suggested address a breadth of issues. One common refrain is the concept of transparency<\/strong>: legislative transparency, budget transparency, decision-making transparency and so on. In fact, the words \u201ctransparency\u201d or \u201ctransparent\u201d were used by respondents in countries spanning all global regions and income levels in the survey. Other ideas that are emphasized include \u201chonesty,\u201d \u201cefficiency,\u201d \u201cless bureaucracy\u201d and \u201cgood governance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a variety of countries, people identify general constitutional reform<\/strong> as the key to improving democracy. One Argentine called for the \u201cConstitution to be modified,\u201d and a man in France said his country needs to \u201cchange the Constitution put in place by General de Gaulle. It no longer fits.\u201d In Israel and the UK, two of only a few countries globally without codified constitutions, several people suggested creating one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cThe best way to improve democracy is to restructure Nigeria and decentralize power. All the arms of government should be independent and local government autonomy should be upheld.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 44, Nigeria<\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In a few cases, people want to wholly \u201cchange the political system,\u201d but keep democracy. For instance, an Australian respondent said, \u201cBecome a republic.\u201d And a Canadian said she wants to \u201cremove the monarchy\u201d because she \u201cdefinitely doesn\u2019t want King Charles to be the head of Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But where some seek broad, general changes, others drill down on specific reforms they would like to see in their democracies. These largely fall into two categories related to the structure of government: the balance of power<\/strong> \u2013 between the branches and levels of government as well as regions of the country \u2013 and term limits for elected officials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these themes are dominant, they are not totally exhaustive of the types of \u201cpolitical reengineering\u201d respondents suggest. In several countries with parliamentary systems, there are calls for fewer seats in the legislature or even calls to eliminate pieces of the legislature altogether:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cRemove the House of Commons.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 31, Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t need so many politicians and parties to make democracy work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 76, Germany<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cReduce the number of politicians.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 46, Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cGet rid of the House of Lords and stop electing people to be Lords because it\u2019s stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 72, UK<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In some countries, references to government reform are more common among men than women. And ideological differences exist in a few places, but their direction depends on the type of change being called for. For example, Israelis who place themselves on the ideological left are more<\/em> likely than those on the right to make general calls for government reform, but less<\/em> likely to request changes to the balance of power in government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Correcting the balance of power<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In each country surveyed, there are branches of government that are meant to have responsibilities independent of one another. Many respondents who mention balance of power want to see their governments better respect this distribution. One Spanish man said democracy would improve with \u201cthe division of powers and effective respect among the three branches of government: legislative, executive and judicial.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cElected members of Congress need to reassert their authority over their own turf and not allow executive orders, unelected bureaucrats and the judicial branch to usurp the official duty of controlling the purse strings.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 75, U.S.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

But some want to fundamentally change which branch gets certain powers, or power in general. In many cases, people want to see less power reside in the executive branch. A Canadian woman called for \u201ca little less power in the prime minister\u2019s office and more in the actual Parliament.\u201d And a woman in Hungary suggested that \u201cthe head of government shouldn\u2019t make decisions on his own.\u201d One 54-year-old man in Kenya went so far to suggest that his country add \u201ca prime minister in government so that power can be shared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several French respondents mentioned a Sixth Republic, a sentiment made popular after President Emmanuel Macron raised the national retirement age without parliamentary approval<\/a>. The suggested Sixth Republic, as opposed to the current Fifth Republic<\/a>, would possibly mark an era of limited power in the French presidency<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appeals for checks on power in South Korea are unique. There are many mentions of \u201cprosecutors staying out of politics,\u201d \u201cweakening the prosecutors\u2019 power,\u201d and ending the \u201cprosecution kingdom\u201d or \u201cprosecution\u2019s dictatorship\u201d in a country that had, just one year prior, elected a former prosecutor general to the presidency<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Israelis stand out for several calls to give the executive branch more<\/em> power. An Israeli woman suggested democracy would be better if \u201cthe prime minister had more extensive powers.\u201d One 47-year-old man wanted \u201cto give the prime minister more power and independence and not take into account the opinion of the attorney general.\u201d (For more on Israeli views of judicial system reform, read <\/em>Chapter 6<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balancing power between levels of government<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cIf we\u2019re starting with a clean slate, we would endeavor to have only two levels of government: a large regional government and a federal government. States are an historic anachronism based on colonialism.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 70, Australia<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some respondents want their country to shift the balance of power between levels<\/em> of government. In Australia, for example, there are requests to do away with state-level governments and move forward with regional and federal administrations only. Meanwhile, in Japan, some propose adding a regional level of government by introducing \u201ca system of provinces\u201d to \u201cdeliver the voice of the people to the Diet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., there are also plenty of calls to \u201cgive states back their power and decentralize government.\u201d One American man wanted \u201cto reduce federal government and allow states to rule themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balancing power between regions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In some instances, the concern over balancing power in the government has to do with regional or geographic fairness. In many places, these reforms are unique to the way a country defines regions and allots representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Nigeria as an example, where there is a geopolitical zoning system that divides the country into six regions. In general, power is shared between the North and the South, but one man suggested that \u201cpower should be shared among the six zones.\u201d Others call for rotating<\/em> government leadership among the six zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., some believe modifying the way that congressional representation is divided among the states will improve democracy. One American man wanted to \u201cexpand the number of representatives in the House to give more populated states a better presence.\u201d Airing similar dissatisfaction, a woman said, \u201cThere is too much power being given to rural people who have an outsized voice in our democracy because each state gets two senators no matter the size.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other countries, there is concern that people in rural areas do not have enough<\/em> power or representation compared with those in urban areas and major cities. One Dutch man suggested there should be \u201cmore representatives from the countryside, instead of only from the Randstad.\u201d One Australian woman said, \u201cListen to rural Australia more,\u201d and a Canadian man wanted \u201cbetter representation of rural Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also country-specific calls for more independence or autonomous power in certain regions like Quebec in Canada, Scotland in the UK and Catalonia in Spain. A few Americans advocate statehood for Washington, D.C., and territories like Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Term limits for elected officials<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Some say their democracy would improve if there were additional, or new, limits on a politician\u2019s time in office. In fact, mentions of term limits appear in more than half of all responses coded as government reform in the U.S., a much larger share than any other country surveyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cWe need to limit the number of years politicians can serve. No one should be able to serve as a politician for 40+ years, like Joe Biden. I don\u2019t have anything against him. I just think that we need limits.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 43, U.S.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Suggestions vary depending on the country and the elected position in question. Some call for shorter terms between elections for any elected official (Elected positions in the democracies surveyed often have some limit on the number of years a person can hold office without facing reelection.) Many responses calling for term limits are also concerned with the number<\/em> of times someone can enter that reelection process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Australian man wanted to \u201conly have the prime minister in office for two terms.\u201d And one American man suggested \u201climiting the number of consecutive terms senators and representatives can serve.\u201d (Currently, the Australian premier can hold office in perpetuity<\/a> if they maintain government support, and American lawmakers can be reelected indefinitely<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other respondents, the introduction of shorter or fewer terms includes an age limit for public office. A Canadian man said simply, \u201cThere should be an age limit on politicians.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of an age limit is notably common in Japan, though there is no consensus on what the retirement age for politicians should be. One Japanese woman said, \u201cDiet members should retire at 65,\u201d while another suggested \u201csetting the retirement age for lawmakers to 70.\u201d Regardless, there is a push to use this sort of reform to get younger voices in the government of one of the world\u2019s fastest-aging societies<\/a>. (For more on the inclusion of young and otherwise diverse voices in government, read <\/em>Chapter 1<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special interests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cI want politicians to not be dazzled by money, but to look at the future of Japan and do their jobs properly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 71, Japan<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In each country surveyed, people want to change \u2013 or eliminate \u2013 the role money plays in their political systems. Concern lies with three central topics: the financial benefits<\/strong> of a career in politics, the influence of special interest groups<\/strong> and outright corruption<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emphasis placed on these issues varies substantially relative to other factors commonly mentioned in responses. In Mexico, the U.S. and Australia, references to special interests rank in the top three topics cited when asked how to improve democracy. In most other countries this issue is in the top half of the 17 substantive topics coded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a few places \u2013 Canada, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain \u2013 non-supporters of the party or parties in power at the time of the survey are more likely to mention the role of special interests than those who do support the governing party. (For more information on how we classify governing party supporters, refer to <\/em>Appendix D<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em> The opposite is true in the U.S., where Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents take issue with the role of money in American politics more than Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Politicians\u2019 salary, benefits and career<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many people who mention special interests are concerned about politicians reaping financial benefits <\/strong>during and after their time in office. People commonly call on their governments to \u201clower the salaries of parliamentarians and politicians\u201d or \u201creduce benefits for holding public office.\u201d One British woman said, \u201cI think they should take a pay cut and put that back into running the country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A specific suggestion seen in several countries is for politicians to receive \u201cbase salaries\u201d or pay that is \u201cin keeping with the lower-middle class.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cMedia should take the money out of politics and let people vote. No lobbying. No bonus or pay day when politicians leave office. There is too much incentive for politicians to focus on special interests instead of what citizens want.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 41, Canada<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Political pensions<\/strong> are another issue. One British woman pointed out that former Prime Minister Liz Truss\u2019 unprecedently short stint in office earned her a lifetime salary<\/a>. A man in Spain called for \u201clifetime payments\u201d and \u201cbonuses and allowances\u201d for parliamentarians to be cut altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some places, people see space to improve democracy by restricting politicians from holding other jobs or affiliations<\/strong> during and after their time in office. A 52-year-old Dutch man said, \u201cPeople with side jobs don\u2019t belong in politics.\u201d And a British woman suggested, \u201cIf we had MPs who didn\u2019t have second jobs, they could focus on the job they\u2019re supposed to be doing in Parliament.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for careers after<\/em> time in government, one man in Japan called for \u201camakudari illegalization.\u201d (Amakudari<\/a> is the practice of giving private-sector positions to retired senior-level politicians.) And one American suggested a \u201cfive-year prohibition on working for companies whose sector they previously regulated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a few countries, there is frustration with nepotism<\/strong> in government. As a woman in Indonesia said, \u201cDon\u2019t support someone just because they are the children of some politician.\u201d This sense that people should not leverage their family\u2019s position and power to advance their own political career also exists in Japan, where one man said, \u201cI want hereditary people to quit,\u201d and in South Africa, where a woman said politicians \u201cmust not only employ family members.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The role of lobbying<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Concerns related to money and politics extend beyond politicians\u2019 income and career prospects. In many countries \u2013 mostly advanced economies \u2013 people share concerns about the power and practices of special interest groups<\/strong>. This includes lobbying and the ways that political parties and organizations fundraise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cBan donations from tobacco, gambling and property developers. Don\u2019t provide funding based on votes for political parties, it makes it impossible for independents to campaign and entrenches major parties.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 50, Australia<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Plenty of people say that \u201cgetting rid of\u201d or \u201cforbidding\u201d lobbying<\/strong> would improve the way democracy is functioning in their country. An American man went so far as to suggest \u201ctaking all the lobbyists and putting them on a boat to the Bermuda Triangle.\u201d Others do not call for an outright ban but suggest limits on lobbying and better monitoring of political donations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some, limits and transparency are most important when related to elections and campaign advertising. This is especially common in the United States, where campaign finance reform<\/strong> is often identified as a way to improve democracy. In a similar vein, Citizens United<\/a> came under fire from multiple respondents dissatisfied with the 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allows for unlimited corporate and PAC spending on elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corruption and bribery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In many countries surveyed, people see eliminating corruption<\/strong> \u2013 an abuse of power for financial gain \u2013 as the key to improving their democracy. As one young Nigerian man said: \u201cAll we need are good, uncorrupt leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cAn end to the f\u2014king corruption.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 56, Mexico<\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In fact, if all other types of special interests mentioned were ignored, corruption would still stand as one of the top five things mentioned in Mexico, South Africa and Indonesia. On balance, corruption is more commonly cited as a problem in the middle-income countries<\/a> surveyed (Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa), while general special interests are more commonly mentioned in high-income countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some mention crimes like theft, fraud and bribery<\/strong>. One American man said democracy would be improved by \u201cferreting out politicians, bureaucrats and activists who are willing to lie, cheat and steal to gain power.\u201d Though people more frequently make simple and broad-reaching calls to address corruption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cFight against corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 67, Hungary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cLet there be less corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 53, Argentina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cCorruption must be finished.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 22, India<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cBe free of corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 62, Kenya<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

(For more on how people want to deal with politicians and parties who are found to be corrupt, read <\/em>Chapter 6<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media reform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cThe media must be much broader than today. It is important to write from all perspectives, otherwise there is a risk of losing democracy through misinformation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 71, Sweden<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cThe news media should have to report the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, not their version of the news.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 79, U.S.<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For a few people, media reform is key to improving democracy in their country. In five places \u2013 Hungary, Australia, South Korea, the U.S. and Sweden \u2013 changing the media is in the top 10 issues of the 17 coded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accurate and unbiased information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many people who mention media reform are concerned with the availability of factual, unbiased information<\/strong>. An Australian man called for \u201cmore truth in the media. Actual news about what is going on in the world would be good. All we seem to get is lies and spin.\u201d In Italy, one man said democracy would improve \u201cif the Italian press was more truthful! No fake news.\u201d Britons, Poles, Hungarians, Canadians and Swedes share similar frustrations with the content they get from the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several people note that accurate reporting by the media is crucial for their ability to make informed decisions in their everyday life. One Swede explained: \u201cInformation that I, as a citizen, receive through newspapers and TV is not sufficiently factual. When you judge, for example, a debate based on rhetoric instead of facts, I think you are out of line. If I don\u2019t get the right information, democracy cannot work. I cannot make my choice based on factual information if I do not receive it.\u201d (For more on how people view citizens\u2019 responsibilities, read <\/em>Chapter 4<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the push for truthfulness, some people are concerned with the political bias of major news sources<\/strong>. One man in Japan wanted \u201cthe media to be neutral in its reporting,\u201d and an Australian said that \u201cthe media should seek to be impartial.\u201d An Israeli woman suggested \u201cthat the media should stop behaving like a political party in and of itself and supporting a certain side instead of doing its job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cA more plural communication media. I believe that in the media there is a lot of fake news and a right-wing monopoly. There is a lack of pluralism and truth, a lot of toxicity and many campaigns that do not correspond to the reality we live in.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 53, Spain<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S. there are calls to \u201cget rid of Fox \u2018News\u2019,\u201d on one side and on the other to \u201creport on many things they presently seem to be covering up, such as the president\u2019s son\u2019s laptop.\u201d Meanwhile, other Americans want a \u201cless polarizing media\u201d altogether. A young woman said \u201cthe media is bent on villainizing any platform that disagrees with its agenda de jour.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A free and independent press<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Beyond concerns about accuracy and bias, there are also issues with media ownership and government interference<\/strong>. \u201cA strong and independent news media\u201d \u2013 void of interference from the government and special interests \u2013 is a tenet of democracy that respondents in several countries address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a few people, this means better \u201cpublicly funded news broadcasting.\u201d One American man spelled out his suggestion: \u201cI also have this crazy idea where I think there should be a much stronger, publicly funded media ecosystem that ensures higher-quality journalism and either outcompetes or purchases existing news outlets like Fox News and MSNBC.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cFree, unbiased and uncompromised news media is crucial for a democracy to function well in the service of all citizens \u2013 not just a minority with the requisite wealth and influence. A very good start would be to remove or drastically curtail Rupert Murdoch\u2019s malign impact on Australian social and political affairs.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 70, Australia<\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Others are concerned with private influence in the media industry. An Argentine woman said she wants to explicitly \u201cavoid a media monopoly.\u201d A man in the UK said, \u201cWe cannot have democracy and the Daily Mail. We need to stop billionaires who do not live in this country from influencing voters with false impressions of patriotism. Having a Union Jack on your box of eggs does not make you a patriot.\u201d And in Australia, several respondents question the impact of billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Censorship and social media<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Though not dominant themes across countries, there are a few people who are concerned with social media, censorship and its impact on democracy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Brazilian woman clarified the importance of \u201chaving complete freedom to speak one\u2019s mind on social media and not be banned or surveilled for it.\u201d A woman in Japan thought that \u201cexperts should share opinions on TV, YouTube, etc.\u201d And in India, a woman said democracy would improve through \u201cinternet, social media and education.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, some people think increased restrictions or censorship on social media would benefit their democracy. An American woman suggested, \u201cSocial media companies should monitor disinformation more.\u201d A Swede said it would be beneficial to \u201cshut down all social media during the election campaign.\u201d And one 19-year-old woman in India went so far as to say that \u201csocial media should be banned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Though political systems vary across the 24 countries surveyed,[1. The 24 countries surveyed include parliamentary republics, presidential republics, constitutional monarchies, federal republics and semi-presidential republics.] citizens in each call for similarly broad changes to government rules and norms. 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