Do American trust the federal government?
Critical Analysis
What portion of Americans currently say they trust the government to do what is right just about always/most of the time?
Between 1960 and the present what is the big story of change over time that the data tells?
Describe two of the main causes of this change in trust in the government over time?
What is one political consequence of this change in the level of trust in the government?
Explain whether you trust the government to do what is right just about always/most of the time.
In 2001, Americans’ trust in government hit a recent high. Based on your historical knowledge, how do you explain the momentary increase in trust around 2001?
When the pandemic first hit the U.S. in 2020, I (wrongly) predicted that this challenge would bring American’s together. Why do you think Americans’ trust in government did not increased during this grave threat to the entire nation?
How do you think the lack of trust in the government will impact voting and the 2024 election?
Explain the connection between an overall trust in the government and democracy.
Imagine you shared this data with an Anti-Federalist like Patrick Henry or Robert Brutus 1 Yates. What argument would they make about the Constitution and the power of the federal government and the current level of mistrust?
Learning Extension
Read this poppin’ Pew Research Center report on public trust.
Swag
