Introduction
The American people’s attitudes about government have been shaped by a long and complex history. The United States was founded on the principles of democracy and individual liberty, and these principles have continued to inform American attitudes towards government throughout its history. However, the American people’s attitudes about government have also been shaped by a variety of other factors, including the country’s political culture, its economic development, and its experiences with war and conflict.
One-Pager Example 1: American Attitudes About Government in the 21st Century
According to a 2021 poll by the Pew Research Center, most Americans believe that the government should play an active role in addressing social problems. However, there is a significant partisan divide on this issue, with Democrats being more likely than Republicans to support government action.
| Party | Believe government should play an active role in addressing social problems |
|---|---|
| Democrats | 72% |
| Republicans | 38% |
One-Pager Example 2: American Attitudes About Government Spending
Americans are generally supportive of government spending on social programs, but there is a significant partisan divide on this issue as well. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support government spending on programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
| Party | Support government spending on social programs |
|---|---|
| Democrats | 79% |
| Republicans | 43% |
One-Pager Example 3: American Attitudes About Government Regulation
Americans are generally supportive of government regulation of the economy, but there is a significant partisan divide on this issue as well. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support government regulation of businesses, while Republicans are more likely to support deregulation.
| Party | Support government regulation of the economy |
|---|---|
| Democrats | 68% |
| Republicans | 32% |
Conclusion
The American people’s attitudes about government are complex and varied. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what Americans think about government. However, the one-pager examples provided above offer a glimpse into the range of attitudes that Americans hold towards government.
Additional Resources:
- [Pew Research Center: American Attitudes About Government](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/09/13/american-attitudes-about-government/