There
is no current data on the percentage of the U.S. population that supports
protests "with no rules," and this specific phrasing is not commonly
used in polling. However, studies on political violence show varying levels of
support for violence in politics, with one 2023 survey finding that 23% of
Americans supported political violence ahead of the 2024 election. It is
important to note that support for "protests with no rules" is likely
different from support for "political violence" and that data for the
former is not available.
Distinguishing "rules" from "violence": The term "protests with no rules" is ambiguous. It is not the same as support for political violence, which would imply an acceptance of harm against others.
Availability of data: There is no readily available, recent data specifically asking about support for "protests with no rules."
Surveys on political violence: A 2023 survey by PRRI found that 23% of Americans supported political violence, but this is a specific type of support and is not representative of support for all forms of "un-ruled" protests.
There is no specific poll data from 2025 on the exact percentage of the U.S. citizen population that supports protests "with no rules" (implying lawlessness or violence). However, available 2025 data indicates strong public support for peaceful assembly and, in contrast, a high level of concern about violence.
Key data points from 2025 polls:
Support for Peaceful Protest: A poll conducted in late 2024 (mentioned in a March 2025 source) found that 84% of people in the U.S. agreed that "the right of the people to assemble peacefully" is very or extremely important.
Opposition to Violence: Around 77% of Americans consider politically motivated violence a major problem.
Views on Rules/Regulation: Only 15% of Americans think the federal government should play a major role in deciding what speech is unacceptable, while a combined 85% think it should have a minor or no role. This suggests a general preference for limited government intervention in expression and assembly, but does not equate to support for "no rules" in the sense of lawlessness.
Support for Political Violence (General): A separate poll from October 2025 found that nearly a third of Americans (30%) say people may have to resort to violence in order to get the country back on track, a sharp increase from 19% eighteen months prior. This is a general statement about the potential necessity of violence, not specific support for "protests with no rules".
Actual Peaceful Participation: Millions of Americans participated in large-scale, overwhelmingly peaceful "No Kings" protests throughout 2025, which organizers specifically conducted with non-violence and de-escalation training, and without widespread arrests or violence.
In summary, while a significant minority expresses a belief that violence might be necessary in some political contexts, there is strong overarching support for the right to peaceful assembly, and the 2025 protests that have been widely reported were explicitly peaceful and rule-abiding movements.
Comments
I am part of the 77% of US Citizens who consider politically related violence a problem. When the Founders wrote the “Right to Peaceful Protest” there was no Internet. “Free Speech” has since moved from the “Stump Speech” to the Internet. Those of us who want “Protest Rules” believe that the current lack of rules violates our right to privacy. We don’t want “protests” on the Streets or Highways of Commercial or Residential areas we need to go to work, shop, have appointments or otherwise access necessary travel.
“Activists” should continue to use the Internet, but should also be able to hold meetings and rallies that are nowhere near where we live, shop and work. “Sponsors” of the Activist Events should rent a contained space and be monitored by police to ensure that they are not violating “The Rules”.
The US Congress may have to draft and pass a bill updating the definition of “Peaceful Protest” and may need to have the States Ratify an Amendment to the Constitution.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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