Wrapping Up 250 Years — A Poll, Another Poll & What We Spend

The Cato Institute looked at what the people of the United States know about the nation’s 250 years of existence and the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. This is the question the Cato Institute asked the 2,243 recipients:

To the best of your knowledge, which of the following best describes what America's 250th anniversary commemorates?

• 46% of those polled of all ages weren’t sure

• Many noted events like the pilgrim landing at Plymouth Rock, the ratification of the U.S. Constitution or the election of George Washington as the first president

• Just 39% of those 18-29 knew the correct answer

There were other questions posed in the survey.

• 86% are grateful to be an American

• 70% say the founding principles are still relevant

• 57% believe the U.S. has moved away from those principles

• 56% worry about losing their freedom in the next 50 years

A different poll from the non-partisan think tank, Archbridge Institute saw some interesting responses. It centered on the American Dream. President and CEO Gonzalo Schwarz said the responses show the American Dream is still resilient after 250 years and there is hope for a more unifying vision going forward.

“A majority of Republicans and Democrats agree that the American Dream is alive and well and that we have the same or more opportunities than our parents did,” Schwarz said. “People still believe the American Dream is a unifying narrative for our country, associating it more with freedom and the pursuit of flourishing than with material wealth.”

• 67% of those surveyed have achieved, or are pursuing, the American Dream

• Most felt how to live and having a good family life are essential to the American Dream

• Just 17% say wealth is critical to achieving the American Dream

• 73% are proud to be an American

• 80% of Americans think you can be patriotic regardless of political or religious beliefs

“We are in a more positive situation than people think, and we can build from that position to continue removing barriers to the American Dream in our own lives and inspire others to do the same,” Schwarz said.

As for the celebration, The National Retail Foundation said we likely spent close to $8.9 billion to $9 billion on food. Over 150 million hot dogs were purchased. We probably spent close to $3.7 billion on alcohol and $2.2 billion on fireworks.

These are estimates. All of the numbers aren’t in yet but the estimates are usually fairly accurate.

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