Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Public trust in the United States federal government has significantly declined over the past several decades, reaching historic lows in recent years. A 2024 study by the Pew Research Center indicates that only 22% of Americans trust the federal government to do what is right most of the time, which is a drastic decline from 55% in 2001. This paper aims to explore the root causes of this decline and the implications this has for the American public. By examining research and empirical data that observes political, social, and economic factors. Political polarization, government corruption, and inefficiency are some of the primary reasons as to why the public’s trust is declining. These issues have wider implications besides the decline of trust, they affect the way individuals are civically engaged, political efficacy and everyday life, including health decisions and the behavior of the public. Understanding the root causes of the decline of trust is critical to find strategies to rebuild the confidence in the federal government to ensure stability in the U.S..
Faculty Mentor
Susan Haynes
Recommended Citation
herrera, shythaly, "The Decline of Public Trust in the Federal Government: Causes, Consequences & Restoration" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 68.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/68
Included in
The Decline of Public Trust in the Federal Government: Causes, Consequences & Restoration
Public trust in the United States federal government has significantly declined over the past several decades, reaching historic lows in recent years. A 2024 study by the Pew Research Center indicates that only 22% of Americans trust the federal government to do what is right most of the time, which is a drastic decline from 55% in 2001. This paper aims to explore the root causes of this decline and the implications this has for the American public. By examining research and empirical data that observes political, social, and economic factors. Political polarization, government corruption, and inefficiency are some of the primary reasons as to why the public’s trust is declining. These issues have wider implications besides the decline of trust, they affect the way individuals are civically engaged, political efficacy and everyday life, including health decisions and the behavior of the public. Understanding the root causes of the decline of trust is critical to find strategies to rebuild the confidence in the federal government to ensure stability in the U.S..