Polling News

A Return To Limited Government Values

October 21, 2021

After ten months of the Biden Administration growing government and pressing a massive expansion of the welfare state with its $5 trillion “human infrastructure” proposal, Americans now favor a more limited role for government.  Gallup polling from September 1-17 shows 52% of Americans believe the government is doing too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses.

That 52% is an 11-point jump from Gallup’s survey conducted a year ago. Since that last poll was fielded, Democrats have pushed vaccine mandates, passed a third multi-trillion-dollar COVID relief bill, and proposed radical climate measures, a federal takeover of elections, massive tax hikes and a slew of anti-business regulatory measures.

While Democrats pressed this agenda, Americans are suffering through inflation, a slowing economy, porous borders, supply chain disruptions, an ideological takeover of some local schools, and rising crime.  This has led to a shift in public attitudes as a growing number of Americans believe government is failing to fix problems while grabbing for more power.

This sentiment crosses political lines. Among Republicans, there was a six-point increase in those believing government is doing too much, bringing the GOP total to 80%. Five percent more Democrats share that belief, with an overall 18% believing government is trying to do too many things. The biggest shift was among independent, where 57% (+19) now believing the government is trying to do too many things.  This group will decide the outcome of the midterm elections.

This significant shift in voter perspective provides an opportunity for Republicans as they look to reclaim both Houses of Congress in 2022. Voters want an alternative to a bigger, more intrusive government, especially since the one they’ve got isn’t working today. 

Related PollingNews

Placeholder polling news
May 25, 2023 |
Polling News
In this busy news week for the 2024 presidential contest, Harvard’s monthly Harris Poll broke down where different contenders and political figures stand as the field of White House hopefuls grows. ...
Placeholder polling news
May 18, 2023 |
Polling News
Last week saw the end of the Trump Administration COVID-era Title 42 policy that allowed the expulsion of thousands of illegal immigrants weekly.  ...
Placeholder polling news
May 11, 2023 |
Polling News
According to Pew Research polling, news doesn’t travel the way it used to when it comes to younger voters. ...
Placeholder polling news
May 04, 2023 |
Polling News
A new poll from Harvard’s Kennedy School Institute of Politics tells us that anxieties among young voters on many issues are driving them to vote at near record levels. ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance