Americans have shifted back to favoring a more hands-off approach for government in addressing the nation’s problems after a rare endorsement of a more active role last year. Currently, 52% say the government is doing too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses, while 43% want the government to do more to solve the country’s problems. In contrast, a record-high 54% of U.S. adults last year said the government should do more to solve problems.<\/p>\n
Gallup’s question on the proper government role is asked as part of its annual Governance survey, conducted Sept. 1-17 this year. The shift toward favoring a more active government role in 2020 was seen among Democrats and independents but not Republicans — likely a response to the coronavirus pandemic and in particular to then-President Donald Trump’s approach to handling it. Trump generally opposed government efforts designed to slow the spread of the virus, such as face mask requirements and business and school closures.<\/p>\n
Last year marked only the second time in Gallup’s 29-year trend that at least half of Americans endorsed an active role for the government on this item. The other pro-government response came in the weeks after the 9\/11 terror attacks amid heightened concern about terrorism and a surge in trust in government.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Americans are more than twice as likely to say they prefer fewer government services and lower taxes as to say they prefer more government services and higher taxes. https:\/\/t.co\/WX3hYG0Vwh<\/a><\/p>\n — GallupNews (@GallupNews) October 17, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n