Date of Award
4-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Patrick Donnay
Abstract
Political scientists have been curious about trust and its impact on government for years. They have learned that governments who have earned the trust of their citizens are more effective in serving the people and are generally able to accomplish more. However, do levels of trust in government depend upon a person’s party affiliation and the party in power? Does partisan trust also vary depending on gender, race, education, or income level? I analyze data from the American National Election Survey (ANES) over time and conclude levels of trust in government rise and fall as power in government shifts back and forth between the two major parties. I also find interesting variations to trust levels when I look at the different demographics of the respondents. My research shows levels of partisan trust move up and down depending on which party controls the government. Further, there is not a significant level of change in trust for a 14 year period. This suggests the attention focused on the increasing polarization of society and how it affects our view of government may be overstated.
Recommended Citation
Yerbich, Marliana Light, "Does Anyone Trust the Government Anymore? Or Does It Depend on Who You Ask and When You Ask Them?" (2019). Political Science Theses and Capstones. 43.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/capstone-polisci/43
