Americans’ Views of Government: Decades of Distrust, Enduring Support for Its Role
65% say most political candidates run for office “to serve their own personal interests.”
65% say most political candidates run for office “to serve their own personal interests.”
For years, public trust in the federal government has hovered at near-record lows. That remains the case today, as the United States struggles with a pandemic and economic recession.
The public is sharply divided by party, even as most support international cooperation and large majorities say it is important that the U.S. is respected around the world.
Democrats’ preferences for the nominee are deeply divided along ideological and demographic lines.
Nearly as many Americans say protecting the environment should be a top policy priority (64%) as say this about strengthening the economy (67%)
Partisanship remains the strongest factor dividing the American public. Yet there are substantial divisions within both parties on fundamental political values, views of current issues and the severity of the problems facing the nation.
While there has been considerable attention on illegal immigration into the U.S. recently, opinions about legal immigration have undergone a long-term change.
© 2024 Pew Research Center