More than three out of four Americans believe the nation's founders would be disappointed with the current state of the US as it approaches its 250th anniversary, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday.

The poll found that 77% of respondents believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the nation has developed, while 19% said they would be satisfied.

Gallup said the share holding a negative view has risen from 71% in 2013 and 42% in 2001.

The poll said the view was shared across political affiliations. Although Republicans were somewhat less negative than Democrats, no more than a quarter of respondents from either party said the founders would approve of the country's current condition.

A separate Marquette Law School poll released Wednesday found that 66% of Americans are at least somewhat proud of the country, but only slightly more than half said they are optimistic about the future of American democracy.

A Fox News poll also found that voters were more likely to describe themselves as patriotic than to say they are proud of the US today. (AA)