Fewer than half of Americans express confidence in public’s political wisdom

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April 11, 2019

Little Public Support for Reductions in Federal Spending

Fewer than half of Americans express confidence in public’s political wisdom

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Fewer than half of Americans express confidence in public’s political wisdom

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Little Public Support for Reductions in Federal Spending
Majorities favor increased spending for education, veterans, infrastructure, other governmentt programs
Partisans differ on spending for most programs, but agree on veteran benefits
Public remains divided in preferences for the overall size of government
Public trust in the federal government remains at historic low
Fewer than half of Americans express confidence in public’s political wisdom
Little change in opinions about defense, veterans’ spending since 2017, but more favor increased spending today than during the Obama administration
Majorities favor increased spending for education, veterans, infrastructure, other govt. programs
Partisans differ on spending for most programs but agree on veteran benefits
Public remains divided in preferences for the overall size of government
Public trust in the federal government remains at historic low
Little change in opinions about spending on defense, veterans since 2017, more favor increased spending today than during the Obama administration
Growing support in both parties for more spending on rebuilding roads, bridges and highways
Democratic support for increasing economic aid for needy people around the world continues to rise
Democrats remain far more likely than Republicans to favor increased spending on health care
More Democrats say they would increase spending for environmental protection
Differing views on size of government by gender, income and partisanship
Republicans now more likely than Democrats to trust the federal government, but trust is relatively low among members of both parties
Majority of adults say they’re frustrated with the federal government
More Democrats than Republicans now say they are ‘angry’ with government
After 2018 midterm, Republicans less confident in public’s political wisdom

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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