Final answer:
The declining levels of trust in the United States government can be attributed to the growing partisanship and polarization, the threat of government shutdowns and economic instability, legislative ineffectiveness, and political scandals and controversies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trust in the United States government has seen a noticeable decline over the years. Four contributory reasons for the decline in trust include:
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- Partisanship and Polarization: The extreme political divide and partisanship have eroded trust, with politics becoming more polarized, especially following significant events like the 9/11 attacks.
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- Governmental Shutdowns and Economic Impact: The recurring threat of government shutdowns and the potential default on loans has shaken confidence in the government's ability to manage the country's finances effectively.
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- Legislative Ineffectiveness: Congress has faced persistent low approval ratings due to perceived inefficiency and ineffectiveness, contributing to a broader sense of disillusionment.
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- Political Scandals and Controversies: Historical and recent political scandals, as well as controversial decisions by governmental institutions, have led to a distrust in the integrity of government operations.
Public trust in the federal government has remained near historic lows for more than a decade, which reflects a deep-rooted skepticism in the political system and national leadership.