The Hill

Government Distrust

Julia Newman

A Pew poll for March-April has shown an increase in distrust of the government. 2,505 adults were polled and only 22% said they trusted the government. Only 25% of people felt favorably towards Congress. However, 40% of people polled said that the Obama Administration was doing a “good or excellent” job. Pew also has noted a double in those angry with the government since 2000. Although, more Republicans, Independents, and Moderates who lean to the right say they distrust the current administration, some Democrats agreed.

Reasons for these results:

• People are angry that the unemployment rate is so high.
• The Bush Administration made the public weary of political promises.
• Expectations of this administration were unreasonably high
• There is a tense divide between Democrats and Republicans.
• The public is generally dissatisfied with the changes made by the government.

Additional Reading:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/19/poll-cites-rising-distrust-of-government-in-america/?fbid=JPXZJHYZ6PJ