Among US adults, local government rather than Federal Government, garnered the highest favorability ratings and remained largely unswayed by party affiliation.
In a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, it was revealed that less than a quarter of Americans hold a positive opinion of the federal government. This report, based on Pew’s American Trends Panel survey, highlights shifting sentiments toward government entities at the local, state, and federal levels.
The survey, conducted at the end of 2023, found that only 22% of U.S. adults view the federal government favorably. This figure represents a notable decline of 10% compared to data from the end of 2022, signaling a significant shift in public perception within a relatively short span of time.
Interestingly, the decline in favorability towards the federal government appears to be driven by both Democrats and Republicans, albeit for different reasons. While approximately 32% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents still hold a favorable view of the federal government, this marks a stark 17-point drop since May 2022. On the other hand, only 11% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents maintain a positive opinion of the federal government, consistent with 2022 figures but significantly lower than the 41% approval recorded during the Trump administration in 2019.
In contrast to the relatively bleak outlook toward the federal government, sentiments towards state-level governance paint a more nuanced picture. Half of the respondents reported a favorable opinion of their state government, almost on par with the 49% who expressed an unfavorable view. This suggests a more balanced perception at the state level, with attitudes likely influenced by a variety of factors including regional policies and individual experiences.
Notably, the survey revealed a much brighter outlook when it comes to local government. An impressive 61% of respondents reported a favorable view of their local government, indicating a higher level of satisfaction and trust at the grassroots level. Importantly, political party affiliation had a significantly lesser impact on local government approval compared to state or federal levels, underscoring the notion that local governance often resonates more closely with citizens’ daily lives and concerns.
The Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel survey, conducted from November 27 to December 3, 2023, engaged 5,203 U.S. adults on a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues. With a margin of error of +/- 1.8%, the survey provides valuable insights into the evolving attitudes and perceptions of the American populace.
While the decline in favorability towards the federal government may raise concerns about the state of national unity and trust in institutions, the relatively positive views towards state and local governments offer a glimmer of hope. It suggests that despite broader political polarization and dissatisfaction with centralized authority, Americans still place a considerable amount of faith in governance structures closer to home. This underscores the resilience of American democracy and the enduring belief in the power of local communities to effect positive change.
