Artificial intelligence is here, whether we like it or not. But how are Americans using and thinking about AI? What excites them about the technology, and what concerns them? Do the benefits of AI outweigh the risks? What should AI be allowed to do—and what should it never be used for? And if you could create one rule for AI, what would it be?

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the milestone reveals a nation reflecting on its past—and questioning its future. While some celebrate with pride, others feel conflicted. What long-term changes in American life have led us to this moment? What does it mean to be American today? And for those feeling discouraged or disconnected from politics, what practical steps can they take to help shape the country's direction and regain a sense of agency?

Articles mentioned:

https://crossingpartylines.com/2026/07/01/loving-a-country-enough-to-keep-working-on-it/

A winner-take-all approach may make sense in sports, but in politics, it can leave many people feeling they don't have a voice whilst also limiting the marketplace of ideas. So why does America still have a two-party system when so many voters say it doesn't represent them? Could a different voting system—or even a six-party democracy—reshape American politics? And beyond the traditional left-right divide, what other ways are there to think about political representation?

Take the political typology quiz:

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/quiz/political-typology/

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/14/opinion/fix-congress-proportional-representation.html

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/06/10/beyond-red-vs-blue-the-political-typology/

Podcast mentioned:

https://outrageoverload.net/