Final answer:
Public disappointment in legislators stems from congressional ineffectiveness, marked by instances like the government shutdowns, fewer passed bills, and low approval ratings. Partisan rivalry and the rise of uncompromising extremists contribute to this trend, which is reinforced by negative public perception through surveys.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to last week's survey, the inability of legislators to work together on key issues has led to significant public disappointment.
This matter relates closely to the broader context of congressional ineffectiveness, which has manifested in various ways, including government shutdowns, a decrease in passed legislation, and low approval rates.
Public disdain for legislative bodies stems from factors such as partisan rivalry, government shutdowns, and a perceived decline in legislative productivity and institutional trust.
For example, the US government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018-2019 highlighted Congress's difficulty in resolving collective problems, with a substantial majority of the public viewing these events as serious issues for the country.
Furthermore, the decrease in the number of substantive pieces of legislation passed by Congress from the 106th to the 113th Congress suggests a significant decline in effectiveness, likely influenced by factors such as gerrymandering and the rise of extremists who resist political compromise.
The low congressional approval ratings reflect the public's response to these developments, with peaks and troughs correlating with congressional productivity and party cooperation.