Sizable gap between public’s views of government’s role and its performance

Home Research Topics Politics & Policy Political Issues Health Policy COVID-19 & Politics

September 14, 2020

Americans’ Views of Government: Low Trust, but Some Positive Performance Ratings

Sizable gap between public’s views of government’s role and its performance

Download

Sizable gap between public’s views of government’s role and its performance

Attachment Info

Americans’ Views of Government: Low Trust, but Some Positive Performance Ratings
Public trust in federal government near historic lows for more than a decade
Majority of Americans say the country ‘can always find ways to solve our problems’
Largest partisan gaps in views of government performance on handling public health, disasters, environment
Since Trump’s election, Republicans are far more positive about government, Democrats more negative
Public trust in the federal government has been low for more than a decade
Republicans’ trust in the federal government has increased since the beginning of Trump’s term in office
Overall feelings toward the federal government have been steady in recent years
About a third of Democrats now say they feel angry toward the government
Nearly six-in-ten say government should do more to solve problems
Large partisan gap in views of size of government
Wide partisan divides on whether govt. should play ‘major role’ on health care, the environment, poverty
Positive views of govt. performance on terrorism, disasters; negative views on public health, poverty

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries

Research Topics

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.

About

Terms & Conditions

Cookie Settings

Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy

Feedback

Careers