2010-04-18-皮尤-Distrust,_Discontent,_Anger_and_Partisan_Rancor_142页_800kb

Summary of "The People and Their Government: Distrust, Discontent, Anger and Partisan Rancor" (Pew Research Center, April 2010)

Overview

This report analyzes public sentiment on government trust and performance in April 2010, a period marked by deep distrust, widespread frustration, and anger according to American adults. Addressed while anti-government sentiment is heightened following the economic crisis of 2008, the document explores the reasons behind declining trust in government institutions and the impact on politics and elections.

Key Findings

Public Distrust and Discontent

• Overall trust in the federal government is at a record low of 22% (those who generally trust government all or most of the time), including 19% who trust it most of the time and 78% who do not.
• Roughly half (53%) say they are "basically content" with government, similar to parts of the late 1990s, but frustration, anxiety, and anger are widespread: 56% report feeling frustrated with government, 30% express anger.

Government's Performance and Size

• The public overwhelmingly (70%) believes government is wasteful and inefficient and unfair to groups. More than twice as many Republicans (70%) than Democrats (34%) see the problem as government being too big and powerful.
• General dissatisfaction leads three-quarters (76%) to say government programs need "very major reform," including 65% of Democrats (up from 9% in 1997 who wanted no change), and only 23% believe programs should be maintained.
• Roughly half (47%) view the federal government's interference in state/local matters as a major problem.

Views of Government Institutions

• Favorability for most major federal agencies has declined since 1997, while job performance ratings show most (around half or more) view them only fair or poor, with no majority seeing excellent/good performance.
• Belief that the government is threatening personal rights and freedoms (30% agree as major threat) correlates strongly with frustration and anger. Support for Tea Party views and anti-government sentiment is politically significant.

Midterm Election Context

• Anti-incumbent sentiment is high (only 43% want incumbents re-elected), making the upcoming 2010 midterms favorable for the Republican Party.
• Highly dissatisfied voters, particularly Republicans and independents leaning Republican, are more likely to plan to vote and intend to support party challengers, contributing to enthusiasm gaps.
• Tea Party movement has broad appeal among Republicans and increase the sense of crisis, linking anti-government feelings to midterms.

Ge

*tEa Party Movement

• With 24% agreement, the Tea Party movement emphasizes anti-government views (e.g., trust, reform, tight control), binds well with Republican leaners, and shapes the political landscape for 2010.

Event

• Context (2008-2009): The economic crisis (2008) and health care reforms significantly influenced public discontent despite no change in trust between 1998 and 2010 rankings.

Consequences and Looking Ahead

• Widespread distrust and frustration likely influence the 2010 midterms significantly for political parties and government programs.
• The Tea Party features as a key factor in channeling anti-government sentiment, potentially affecting voter turnout and political representation as the election nears.

The report concludes that while distrust is widespread, divided along partisan lines, the
the Tea Party and widespread dissatisfaction with government are powerful forces shaping the political landscape leading into the 2010 midterms.