Final answer:
According to a Gallup Poll in 1965, the most serious problem viewed in the United States was crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to a Gallup Poll in 1965, the most serious problem viewed in the United States was crime. The poll found that a majority of Americans rated the crime problem as highly serious. This perception likely stemmed from the rise in crime rates during the 1960s and the increasing media coverage of criminal activities. As the U.S. stumbled into its Cold War confrontations and faced setbacks like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the U-2 incident, Americans began questioning the competence of their leaders and the direction of the country. These elements collectively led to a crisis of confidence among the populace regarding the nation's future and governance.