Recently, the Pew Research Center released a study on how Americans view the government. Not surprisingly, public trust of government is at an all-time low of only 19%.

But there’s also low confidence in the American people. The survey shows that since 2007 trust in the public’s wisdom and ability to make political decisions has rapidly declined. Today, only 34% have confidence in the public’s ability to make wise political decisions.

What is driving such a decline in confidence? Could it be that many Americans are recognizing:

  • The mediocre academic performance of today’s students?
  • The number of ill-prepared college graduates who are entering the workforce?
  • The decline in behavior, manners, and other virtues which are necessary for a thriving society?

Are Americans right to have low confidence in the  public’s ability to make wise political decisions? If so, are we more at risk of losing our representative government to a more despotic leader?

 

Image Credit: SNL