The 2024 election is a little more than a year away, and Americans’ distaste for politics has reached new heights. The current political landscape is providing the nation with much to be concerned about and causing many Americans to lose faith in the government. A recent Pew Research Center poll illustrates the common feelings a majority of Americans are experiencing around the nation’s leaders, system of government, and politics as a whole.
Survey Overview
The public has no specific point of dissatisfaction with the state of politics. However, a comprehensive new Pew Research Center study shows widespread criticism of the three branches of government, political parties, political leaders, and candidates for office.
Unfavorable Views
The survey found that both Republicans and Democrats are equally disliked. Four times as many Americans have unfavorable views of both parties today than in 2002, an all-time high.
Trust
Trust in the government is near a 70-year low, with just 16% of the public saying they trust the federal government most of the time. 63% of those surveyed express little or no confidence in the future of the U.S. political system.
Generational Views
The problem of government distrust could grow as younger generations make up a larger share of the population. 37% of 18- to 29-year-olds had unfavorable views of both parties, compared to 16% of those 65 or older.
Third Party?
68% of Americans wish there were more than two political parties to choose from. Yet, they are not convinced that multiple parties would equal more solutions.
Agreement on a Problem
The nation’s most significant problems do have bipartisan support. 87% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats agreed that politicians in both parties “are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems.”
Candidates
As the presidential campaign continues to heat up, 63% of Americans are dissatisfied with the candidates who have emerged as options. Sadly, Americans are not impressed with the quality of candidates at any level of government. Only 26% rate the quality of political candidates as very or somewhat good.
Ideas for the Future
Americans are in support of limitations for elected officials. 87% want term limits, and 79% support age limits. Age limits have gained traction with President Biden’s age as he heads into another campaign and recent congressional health issues in the news. People support age limits not only for elected officials but also for the Supreme Court Justices.
Polarization
Partisan divisions are more expansive than in years past, and 22% of Americans suggest partisan polarization or lack of partisan cooperation as the biggest problem with the current political system. 57% also believe that the conflicts between the two parties receive too much attention.
Voting
Is there hope for change? 57% of survey respondents say that voting by people like them can affect the country’s future direction. Adults younger than 50 are less likely than older people to say voting can have at least some effect on the country’s future direction.
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