Trust in Government: a Declining American Sentiment

Throughout history, Americans have often perceived their government as the ultimate authority—an institution to which they could turn whenever national issues arose.

Introduction

Traditionally, the government and its officials were seen as the primary problem-solvers, commandingly steering the nation through turbulent times. However, as the United States has advanced both as a society and a nation, there has been a noticeable decline in the level of trust and respect Americans have for their government. This essay explores why such a once-venerated institution might lose the trust of its citizens by examining the behaviors of political parties, citizen participation, congressional activities, and the role of the media.

Political Party Dynamics

With the backdrop of the presidency of Republican Donald Trump, it became evident that even his own political allies sometimes expressed disapproval of his actions. The alleged interference by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the U.S. election to favor Trump raised significant concerns. Rather than taking a firm stand against these actions, Trump appeared to dismiss them, causing unease even among Republicans. For instance, Senator John McCain labeled Trump's behavior as "one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory," while Senator Lindsey Graham noted it was a "bad day for the US." Such disapproval from within his party contributed to a growing skepticism among citizens regarding the trustworthiness of their government. When government insiders question the president's actions, it inevitably fuels the public's apprehension.

Citizen Participation

Examining citizen participation, particularly voter turnout, offers insights into public trust in government. The 2014 midterm election saw a historic low in voter turnout, with only 36.4 percent of eligible voters casting ballots. At that time, Democrat Barack Obama was president, yet Republicans gained control of the House. This raised questions about how the opposition party could secure such significant gains with a president from the rival party in office. In contrast, the 2018 midterm elections marked a record with over 100 million voters participating, representing 48% of eligible voters. This surge allowed Democrats to gain control of the House, while Republicans gained ground in the Senate. The correlation between presidential influence and voter turnout is noteworthy, suggesting that the electorate's trust and engagement are closely linked to their perceptions of the sitting president. The incremental increase in Hispanic voter turnout from 8% in 2014 to 9% in 2018 also reflects the heightened concerns among minority groups, particularly regarding Trump's immigration policies.

Congressional Conflicts

The discord within Congress further erodes trust in government. The shutdown of the U.S. government, driven by partisan disputes, exemplifies this. The shutdown resulted from conflicts over issues like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), budget deals, defense spending, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each issue showcased the inability of opposing parties to reach consensus, leading to a shutdown that left many government employees without work. This situation paints the government as a group unable to resolve differences maturely, undermining the public's confidence in its ability to govern effectively. The shutdown was particularly significant because it was the first to occur while one party controlled both Congress and the White House, highlighting the dysfunction even within a unified government.

Media Influence

The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of the government. In recent years, platforms like Twitter have become prominent in political discourse, often highlighting the contentious nature of governmental operations. President Trump's frequent use of Twitter to convey his thoughts and criticisms, sometimes in a derogatory manner, has exacerbated public skepticism. His tweets targeting individuals and political opponents have raised questions about decorum and leadership. When leaders engage in such public spats, it diminishes their credibility and, by extension, that of the government they represent. The media's coverage of these incidents amplifies their impact, influencing how citizens perceive their leaders and the trustworthiness of the government as a whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decline in trust towards the American government can be attributed to a combination of political party dynamics, citizen participation, congressional conflicts, and media influence. Restoring public confidence requires addressing these issues comprehensively. The government must prioritize resolving internal conflicts, fostering bipartisanship, and ensuring responsible communication from its leaders. Only then can it begin to rebuild the trust and respect of its citizens. These changes must occur promptly to prevent further erosion of public confidence, ensuring that the government can effectively serve its people and uphold the principles of democracy.

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