On the eve of the United States' 250th anniversary, many Americans are questioning the country's future.

Just weeks before the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, a Reuters/Ipsos poll highlights a deep pessimism among the population. The survey reveals that a significant portion of Americans doubt the country's ability to remain united in the very long term.

According to this poll, 38% of respondents believe that the United States may no longer exist in its current form in 250 years. This result reflects growing concerns related to the political, social, and institutional divisions that have plagued the country for several years.

The study also reveals a rise in concerns about the state of American democracy. Nearly 64% of respondents believe the US democratic system is at risk of collapse, compared to 57% in a similar survey conducted in August. This increase reflects a growing sense of the fragility of political institutions.

Partisan tensions also appear in the perception of national celebrations. A majority of those surveyed felt that the 250th anniversary commemorations had taken an excessively political turn, to the detriment of the unifying character that these events were supposed to embody.

The festivities were notably marked by several events organized at the initiative of the president. Donald Trumpincluding a large demonstration called "UFC Freedom 250" at the White House. These initiatives have provoked mixed reactions from the public.

The poll thus illustrates the questions that are running through American society as it approaches a major historical date. As the country prepares to celebrate two and a half centuries of existence, many citizens are worried about its future cohesion and the strength of its democratic institutions.

Despite these concerns, the United States remains one of the oldest modern democracies still in operation. The 250th anniversary celebrations are nevertheless expected to take place against a backdrop of persistent political polarization, which continues to fuel the debate about the country's future.