Record High Concerns About Government Power

A recent Gallup poll shows a notable shift in public sentiment, with a record 62% of Americans expressing the belief that the federal government wields “too much power.” This figure is a significant increase from 51% just a year ago and marks the highest percentage recorded by Gallup since 2002.

Previously, the highest recorded level of concern was 60%, noted in both 2013 and 2015 during the presidency of Barack Obama.

The poll highlights a dramatic change among political affiliations. Now, 66% of Democrats and those leaning Democratic feel the government has overreached, a jump from 25% last year. Conversely, the percentage of Republicans and Republican-leaners who share this view has decreased to 58%, down from 75% in 2024.

Interestingly, this shift means that for the first time since the early 2000s, a larger portion of Democrats than Republicans believe the federal government has gained excessive power.

Additionally, other recent polls indicate that many Americans are dissatisfied with Congress, with one Gallup survey finding a mere 26% approval rating for Congress overall, conducted from September 2 to September 16 among 1,000 adults across all states and the District of Columbia.

This is a fascinating development, reflecting a growing discomfort with government institutions at a time when political feelings often seem so polarized. It raises questions about trust and effectiveness in governance—a conversation that will likely continue as more data emerges.