Report Identifies U.S. Democratic Performance at 50-Year Low

Why it matters locally: While the report assesses national trends, a decline in democratic performance could broadly impact federal policy decisions and resource allocation that affect Washington state's various sectors and its residents.

A new international assessment indicates the United States' democratic performance has fallen to its lowest level in 50 years. The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) published the findings in its latest global report. The report measures democratic performance across various nations. Analysts at IDEA observed the United States' current standing represents its lowest point since the organization began tracking these metrics five decades ago.