The public’s confidence in all three branches of government is at or near all-time lows, although the same can be said of many other major institutions, according to a new poll.
The poll, by the Associated Press in conjunction with several research organizations, found that while 51 percent have a great deal of confidence in the military, only 11 percent say the same of the executive branch, the lowest level since the 10 percent in 1996. Another 43 percent say they have some confidence in the executive branch and a record high–since the poll began more than 40 years ago–44 percent say they have hardly any confidence in it at all.
There was a partisan difference regarding the executive branch, it added, with 18 percent of Democrats having a great deal of confidence but only 3 percent of Republicans.
Those with a great deal of confidence in the Congress and the Supreme Court also hit all-time lows, at only 5 and 23 percent, respectively.
Also hitting all-time lows were television and the press, at around 10 percent, while banks, major companies and organized labor fall in the 10-20 percent range.
