When it comes to election-related policy decisions, Americans are often faced with a choice between what is good for democracy and what is good for their political party. Understanding how the public makes this choice is critical for American politics, because public opinion influences whether electoral reforms succeed or fail. This study shows that Americans often choose party over basic democratic principles, like fairness, when deciding on their preferred electoral policy. Additionally, it highlights the type of situations that make Americans more likely to choose their political party over democratic principles. Ultimately, the findings reveal how partisan instincts can quietly undermine American democracy.

Link to Article: https://doi.org/10.1017/spq.2024.34