While trust in the federal government in the abstract sense is low, "practical trust"—the willingness to follow federal guidance in specific, actionable scenarios—is robust. Image: Deacons docs/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffWhile only about a quarter of the public trusts the federal government, there is an “encouraging” higher level of “practical” trust, as shown in “willingness to follow its guidance on issues that affect everyday life,” the Partnership for Public Service has said.
In a posting, the Partnership noted that while its prior polling had found that just 23 percent of the public trusts the government—and less than a third believe it has a positive impact—an online survey conducted in May of some 1,000 people showed that “low trust does not always translate into behavior one might expect.”
It said that 76 percent of respondents said they likely would follow the government’s guidance during an emergency, 74 percent expressed trust in recommendations around food safety and 74 percent said they would likely comply with new tax regulations that affect income. Trust was higher among Democrats than among Republicans and Independents, but in each case there was more than 70 percent support regardless of party affiliation.
“These results speak to a critical distinction: While trust in the federal government in the abstract sense is low, “practical trust”—the willingness to follow federal guidance in specific, actionable scenarios—is robust. This suggests that despite broad skepticism about the government in general terms, many people in the U.S. still recognize its expertise and authority in areas that affect their daily lives and actions,” it said.
“The implications of this finding may be significant. It reveals that there is a foundation of trust based on which the federal government can build. By clearly communicating its role in safety, security and economic well-being—and by effectively delivering guidance related to these—our government could begin to gain broader public trust,” it said.
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