Question

Political analysts have identified a significant change in the American public’s level of trust in government over the last 50 years. Describe the direction of this change and discuss some of the recent events that have led Americans to reevaluate their feelings toward government. Is there any reason to be worried about how much trust citizens have in their government?

Answer 1

Trust in government has been declining, but when a major event happens (such as world wards I and II; terrorist attacks like 9/11; economic problems involving a great deal of people, etc) the people who doubt the government turn to look for aid in the autorities, at least temporarily. This is something to worry about because the less people trust the government, the more people won't know that they can actually take part in it. A government can't be democratic if the people don't decide to take action or part in it.