section_path: Indicators/The Economist Democracy Index
section_name: The Economist Democracy Index
paragraph_text: The Economist Democracy Index
  
  The Economist Democracy Index started the U.S. at the index's launch in 2006 at an 8.22/10 (full democracy) though the rating started declining in 2010 and dropped to its lowest rating yet of 7.85 in 2021 (flawed democracy). The Economist cited functioning of government and political culture (both related to polarization) as major reasons for the lower score.