Trust in Government

Americans say the public’s trust has been declining in both the federal government and in their fellow citizens. But most say this can be turned around.

Many Americans think declining trust in the government and in each other makes it harder to solve key problems. They have a wealth of ideas about what’s gone wrong and how to fix it.

Majorities of Americans say the tone of political debate in the country has become more negative, less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive in recent years.

Politicians viewed as major creators of it, but journalists seen as the ones who should fix it

Many Indians are satisfied with how democracy is working in India. But most see politicians as corrupt and question the efficacy of elections.

While partisans agree that political leaders should be honest and ethical, they differ over whether particular leaders display these traits.

Only a third of Venezuelans trust their national government. Venezuelans’ evaluations of their national economy have worsened since 2013.

The politically aware, digitally savvy and those more trusting of the news media fare better in differentiating factual statements from opinions.

Explore where users of news outlets in eight Western European countries place these outlets on a left-right spectrum, based on their perception of their ideological leanings.

How do Americans feel about their own democracy? Read key findings from our recent report on Americans' views of democracy in America.