American Democracy:Tool or Cherished Value?

I ask the above question after reading What’s Democracy to You?

These results suggest that although Americans talk about democracy like it’s a value, many perceive it as little more than a tool—like a gun or a hammer, its goodness or badness is mostly connected to our perception of who is using it and for what purpose. Those who have benefited the most from its employment are more likely to have positive impressions of it while those who feel it has been used against them or to subjugate them are less likely to see it as inherently good.

Well? Where do you stand? 

sch 4/12/22