This paper is an assessment of recent research on U.S. political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors and what it says about the need to improve education for democracy. The assessment examines three surveys: (1) the annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup survey that looks at attitudes toward public schools; (2) the annual "The American Freshman" report on attitudes and behaviors of first-time, full time students attending U.S. colleges and universities; and (3) the most recent survey of the Times Mirror Center for the People and the Press on the beliefs and behaviors of people that underlie political labels and drive political action. Research discussed also includes "The Harwood Study," which analyzes 10 focus group discussions with citizens from cities around the country, Richard Brody's examination of the effect on political tolerance of the "We the People..." curriculum, and a University of Minnesota curriculum program that concurs with Brody's view that "political tolerance can be taught." The paper concludes with the view that current research shows that education for democracy should be a priority not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Further, more and better research is needed to learn how best to educate for democracy. (LH)