A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that trust in the federal government has declined significantly since 1958, with only 22 percent of Americans trusting the federal government in May 2024. However, state governments have historically fared better in terms of public trust, with 55 percent of Americans trusting their state government in September 2024.
In Maryland, a UMBC Poll found that 41 percent of residents trusted their state government “most of the time” or “just about always,” compared to 56 percent who trusted it “never” or “only some of the time.” Democrats were more likely to trust the state government, with 60 percent expressing trust compared to only 16 percent of Republicans.
The decline in trust among unaffiliated voters and those who view the state’s economic situation as “fair” or “poor” suggests a relationship between trust in government and economic performance. Residents were also divided on how to address the state’s budget deficit, with differing views among Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters.
Lack of trust in government can impact citizen engagement in the democratic process, making it crucial for elected leaders to address budgetary, economic, and policy-related issues transparently to rebuild trust. While there is no quick fix, thoughtful and transparent leadership can help improve public trust and encourage citizen participation in democratic activities.
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