Most Americans distrust government, poll says

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Only 22% of all Americans surveyed say they trust the government in Washington almost always or most of the time — among the lowest measures in half a century — according to a new Pew Research Center survey released Sunday night.

The results point to ‘a perfect storm’ of public unrest, Pew reports, ‘a dismal economy, an unhappy public, bitter, partisan-based backlash and epic discontent with Congress and elected officials.’

Growing numbers of people want government’s power curtailed, Pew reports of a mid-April survey that found ‘less of an appetite for government solutions to the nation’s problems — including more government control over the economy — than there was when Barack Obama first took office.’

‘The public’s hostility toward government seems likely to be an important election issue favoring the Republicans this fall,’ Pew reports. ‘However, the Democrats can take some solace in the fact that neither party can be confident that they have the advantage among such a disillusioned electorate. Favorable ratings for both major parties, as well as for Congress, have reached record lows while opposition to congressional incumbents, already approaching an all-time high, continues to climb.’

Interest in government regulating much of anything has declined, with one exception, Pew says:

‘A clear majority [61%] says it is a good idea for the government to more strictly regulate the way major financial companies do business, which is virtually unchanged from last April [60%].’

Mark Silva