Poll: American institutions? 1 in 5 say "let them burn"

The desire for drastic social change is more common among younger generations, Hispanic Americans and Trump voters

by CRAIG HELMSTETTER | Dec. 31, 2024

New findings from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s latest Mood of the Nation Poll show that a sizeable minority of Americans agree with the statement, “When I think about our political and social institutions, I cannot help thinking ‘just let them all burn.’” 

The survey, which was conducted Sept. 23-27 among 1,000 adults, found that the desire for drastic institutional change was somewhat more common among younger generations, Hispanic Americans, men and Trump voters.

The question was included in a survey in an attempt to help understand the depth and extent of Americans’ dissatisfaction with institutions and the status quo.

Which groups of Americans are most and least likely to let them all burn?

Nearly one-third of those in Generation Z agree with the statement “When I think about our political and social institutions, I cannot help thinking ‘just let them all burn.’” (Technically Generation Z starts at age 12, but this survey of adult Americans includes older members of the generation, aged 18 to 27). This compares to only 13% of Baby Boomers.

“The data show that the more affluent— those with annual incomes over $100,000 — those with human capital that helps people be resilient in a changing economy — having earned a four-year college degree — and those who are dependent on government for Social Security and Medicare — Baby Boomers — reject this idea most strongly,” observed poll director and Penn State professor Eric Plutzer.

He went on to say: “Boomers and the economically secure may not think the country is on the right track, but they don't feel that a radical rebuild is needed. They have a lot at stake. A vested interest in incremental change and stability. Those who are more precarious and have less-certain futures in a changing economy may see institutions failing them.”

Among racial and ethnic groups, Hispanic Americans stand out with nearly 3 in 10 agreeing with the statement “When I think about our political and social institutions, I cannot help thinking ‘just let them all burn.’” About 2 in 10 of the other racial and ethnic groups represented in this survey (white, Black and “other”) agreed with the statement.

While similar proportions of men and women agreed with the statement (22% and 19%, respectively), more than twice as many men than women “strongly” agreed (7% and 3%, respectively).

The size of this survey is not able to scientifically represent a wide variety of religious beliefs, but it can represent Americans who identify as born-again Christians (about one-quarter of adults according to Pew Research Center). A comparison of the responses of born-again Christians with others does not reveal a religiously-related difference of opinions on this question. Similar proportions of both groups agree with the statement about burning down political and social institutions.

Somewhat higher proportions of Trump voters agree that political and social institutions should be allowed to burn

There is some alignment between more typical political affiliations and opinions related to letting political and social institutions burn, with a somewhat higher proportion of those preferring President-elect Donald Trump in the then-upcoming presidential election favoring drastic change as compared to those preferring Vice President Kamala Harris. Seven percent of Trump voters strongly favored the statement that political as social institutions should be allowed to burn, compared with only three percent of Harris voters.

There is not, however, much difference in the pattern of responses of Democrats and Republicans on this question. Slightly higher proportions of those unaffiliated with the major parties favor allowing political and social institutions to burn.

More nonvoters agree with letting political and social institutions burn, as do even more protesters

Engaging with the political process is not necessarily tied to wanting to preserve political institutions. It depends on the type of engagement. A higher proportion of voters than nonvoters indicated a preference for preserving political and social institutions, but a lower proportion of protesters than non-protesters favored institutional preservation.

This survey included a list of seven political activities besides voting. As we reported previously, 3 in 5 adults had participated in one or more of these activities in the months leading up to the 2024 election.

How does participation relate to a desire for drastic change? Thirty-one percent of those who had attended a protest or rally in the past six months agreed with the statement “When I think about our political and social institutions, I cannot help thinking ‘just let them all burn.’” As did 27% of nonvoters, those who had attended a political rally or campaign event and those who had posted a political message online.

A desire to see political and social institutions burn was less common among those who contributed money to a political candidate.

Those distrusting the government are more likely to agree that political and social institutions should burn — as are those who express ambivalence about democracy

Agreeing that political and social institutions should be allowed to burn is not simply another way of asking whether people have trust in institutions — but it is related. About half as many of those who agree with the statement “most of the time I trust the government to do what is right” think that political and social institutions should be allowed to burn as is the case among those who distrust the government (14% compared to 27%).

The survey also asked respondents which of three statements about governance comes closest to their own thoughts: Democracy is the best political system in all circumstances (favored by 88%), In certain circumstances a dictatorship could be a good thing (7%), and “whether we live in a democracy or under a dictatorship makes no difference to people like me” (5%). One-third of those favoring the latter two categories agreed that political and social institutions should be allowed to burn, compared to only 18% of those who believe that democracy is always best.

PARTNER FOR THIS SURVEY

The McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State promotes scholarship and practical innovations that defend and advance democracy in the United States and abroad. Through teaching, research and public outreach, the Institute leverages the resources of Penn State and partners around the world to foster a model of deliberation, policymaking and responsiveness that is passionate, informed and civil.

The Institute’s Mood of the Nation poll offers a unique approach to public opinion polling. It allows Americans to speak in their own words through open-ended questions that focus on emotions like anger and hope, as well as commitment to constitutional principles.

For earlier findings from our collaboration with the McCourtney Institute, see our Mood of the Nation landing page.

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