A recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that less than a quarter of the United States population has a positive opinion about the federal government. The survey, conducted through the American Trends Panel, showed that only 22% of U.S. adults view the federal government favorably. This marks a 10% decrease from previous data collected at the end of 2022. Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents had a 17-point drop in approval of the federal government compared to May 2022, with only 32% holding a positive view. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents had a flat approval rate of 11%, which was significantly lower than the 41% approval rate in 2019 under the Trump administration.
Interestingly, the survey found that U.S. adults had a more positive view of state and local governments compared to the federal government. Approximately 50% of respondents reported a favorable opinion of their state government, while only 49% reported an unfavorable view. In terms of local government, around 61% of respondents had a favorable opinion. Political party affiliation had less influence on local approval ratings compared to state or federal. The survey was conducted between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3, 2023, and surveyed 5,203 U.S. adults on various political, cultural, and social issues, with a margin of error of +/- 1.8%.
These findings shed light on the shifting public perception of government at different levels, with the federal government receiving the least approval among U.S. adults. The drop in approval ratings for both Democrats and Republicans suggests a widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. On the other hand, state and local governments seem to have a more positive perception among the public, with more respondents viewing them favorably. This indicates that people may trust and support government institutions closer to home rather than at the federal level, where there is a higher level of scrutiny and dissatisfaction.
The decrease in approval ratings for the federal government over recent years may be attributed to various factors such as political polarization, government inefficiency, and perceived lack of accountability. The significant drop in approval among Democrats compared to previous years may reflect disappointment with the current administration’s performance, while the consistent low approval among Republicans suggests a deeper mistrust of government institutions in general. The survey results highlight the importance of addressing public concerns and rebuilding trust in government to improve overall governance and decision-making.
Moving forward, policymakers and government officials may need to prioritize efforts to address public dissatisfaction with the federal government by improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Building trust and engagement with the public at all levels of government is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring that the needs and concerns of citizens are adequately addressed. By paying attention to public opinion and working to regain trust, government institutions can work towards restoring confidence and support among the U.S. population.
