How Americans Perceive Government in 2017

Most U.S. adults are dissatisfied with the executive and legislative branches, and barely a quarter are satisfied with the way the nation is being governed.

Majorities view both major political parties unfavorably, but when forced to choose, they think the GOP is better for prosperity and security and the Democrats for almost everything else.

Over half of U.S. adults say the government has too much power. Even more think government is doing too much to solve the country’s problems than say it should be doing more, though anti-government views have shrunk. Overall, Americans want more compromise. (Gallup)

– Jeffrey M. Jones, Managing Editor, Frank Newport, Editor-in-Chief, and Lydia Saad, Senior Editor, Gallup