"Debates about the kind of democracy we want to live in are at the heart of politics in the UK today. What role should be played by referendums? Where should the balance of power lie between government and parliament? How far should the courts be involved in adjudicating disputes or upholding basic rules? What standards of behaviour do we expect from our politicians, and how should these be maintained? To shed new light on these questions, the Constitution Unit at University College London is leading a major research project examining public attitudes to democracy in the UK today, through surveys and a citizens’ assembly. This report sets out the key findings from our first survey of the UK population. Conducted in July 2021 with a sample of almost 6,500 people, the survey provides unique insight into the kind of democracy that people in the UK want. It reveals that, while many people may not have strong views on specific institutional details, most do have clear and consistent preferences on basic principles. They wanted more influence for people like themselves, opposed concentrating power in the hands of small groups of politicians, and favoured strong roles for independent and neutral actors such as judges. Perhaps above all, they wanted politicians who are honest and follow the rules."--