Trust in government is way down, as we all know. Poll after poll has tracked the lack of confidence we have in our political leaders and institutions.

What about trust in the American people?

Do you trust your fellow Americans to make good judgments about the issues facing our country?

About six of ten (61%) Americans have a great deal or a fair amount of trust in the American people “when it comes to making judgments under our democratic system about the issues facing our country,” according to a new Gallup poll. About a third (33%) says they don’t have very much trust and confidence in the American people, with 6% saying none at all.

Here’s the kicker: 61% is the lowest level of trust and confidence since Gallup starting asking this question almost 40 years ago. In 1974, 83% of Americans had a great deal or fair amount of trust and confidence in the American people. The peak was 1976 at 86%. Since then, the trend has been generally downward, slipping under 70% in 2010 and reaching its all-time low now.

Democrats have more trust and confidence in the American people, compared to Republicans and Independents. But, as Gallup reports, “all three party groups are less trusting now than in the past.”

Are you surprised to learn that Americans’ trust in the American people has been declining?

What accounts for this downward trend?

Do you trust the American people?

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