Survey: Favorability Ratings Of Federal & State Governments

Today, the Pew Research Center released a survey conducted from July 22 to July 26. The survey gives a snap shot on how Americans view their government, at the moment, at  Federal, State and even local level.

With a lot of States experiencing serious budget troubles or even some of them, such as California, with budgets in complete shamble; It is not surprising that the favorability rating of State governments have declined from a year ago. Overall, 50 percent of Americans hold a favorable opinion of their State governments, down from 59 percent in April 2008.

Most States are struggling during the current recession, some are facing critical revenue shortfalls. Needless to say, the survey finds that the balance of opinion has turned negative in States with the largest budget gaps.

As far as the Federal government is concerned, 50 percent of the people surveyed have an unfavorable opinion of the Federal government. Meanwhile, 42 percent express a favorable view. By comparison, in April 2008 views of the Federal government were the lowest in a decade with 58 unfavorable to 37 percent favorable.

Not surprisingly, Americans shift of views of the Federal government follows a partisan divide. Currently, 61 percent  of Democrats have a favorable opinion  of the Federal government, up from 29 percent in April 2008. By comparison, favorable views among Republicans have declined, during the same period from 53 percent to 24 percent.

For the full survey from the Pew Research Center click here.