Gallup has posted a slew of new charts on Americans’ attitude towards the federal government, but their title, “Despite Negativity, Americans Mixed on Ideal Role of Gov’t” doesn’t fit their results.
A clear majority, 57%, tell Gallup that the federal government today has too much power. Only 35% of Americans believe the federal government has “about the right amount of power,” and just 8% say the federal government has too little power.
A clear majority of Americans, 56%, also believe the government “is trying to do too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses.” Only 39% believe government “should do more to solve our country’s problems.” Another 2% say it depends.
A clear majority of Americans, 56%, say they would be willing to pay less in taxes and accept fewer government services. Only 26% want taxes and services kept at current levels, and only 16% want higher taxes and more government services.
The results are slightly more mixed when Americans are asked about regulations, but still a majority, 50%, say there is too much government regulation. Only 24% say their is too little regulation and 23% say it is “about right.”
