What government agency is doing the best job?
AP U.S. Government and Politics
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
According to the data, what federal agency is viewed most favorably by the U.S. public?
My postal carrier is so courageous that he delivers the mail in shorts no matter the weather. I see him almost every day, which, I believe, leads me to have a favorable opinion of the U.S. mail service. Which of the agencies and departments listed above do you have daily contact with?
How would you answer the same questionnaire about your level of trust of these agencies?
I.C.E. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is part of the Department of Homeland Security. If I.C.E. were rated on its own as an agency, explain how you think the public would rate it.
What are three things Congress can do to control these agencies and departments listed in the visual above, and what are three things the POTUS can do to control these agencies and departments?
Based on the visual below, what government agency or department has the biggest divide in approval based on whether someone is a Democrats or Republicans?
Based on the visual below, how does partisanship (the divide between Democrats and Republicans) impact views on government agencies and departments?*
What is your absolute favorite federal agency? Mine is the National Park Service (duh!). Write a rap about it and submit it in the comments section below!
No one enjoys paying taxes, yet 65% of Americans approve of the IRS. Explain this apparent contradiction.
According the visual below* public opinion of the CDC, CIA, IRS, FDA, FEMA, and EPA has declined in the past year. Why do you think that is?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Next time you have contact with the federal government (it could be your mail carrier bringing you mail or an F.B.I. agent arresting you) thank them for their work and ask them what people's attitudes are towards them. Share your thoughts about this interaction in class or online. Or, ask ten of your schoolmates their attitudes towards these agencies and departments and compare those results with the views expressed in the data.
Get Creative
Write a love letter to your favorite U.S. government agency and send it!
Learning Extension*
\This cool new Gallup report on American attitudes towards government agencies and departments is about to be made into a movie by Disney. Really! Check it out now!!!!! And do you even know what each of these agencies does? If not, educate yourself.
