Member-only story

Americans' Beliefs About How Government Should Work: Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Public Policy

Roger Turner

·8.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Stealth Democracy: Americans Beliefs About How Government Should Work (Cambridge Studies In Public Opinion And Political Psychology)

4 min read

833 View Claps

44 Respond

Save

Listen

Stealth Democracy: Americans' Beliefs About How Government Should Work (Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Political Psychology)

by John R. Hibbing

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3018 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The way in which government functions is a subject of ongoing debate and discussion in the United States. Americans hold a wide range of beliefs about the proper role and scope of government, with some advocating for a limited government and others supporting a more active role for the government in society.

This article examines Americans' beliefs about how government should work, drawing upon insights from the Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Public Policy. These studies, conducted by the University of Cambridge, provide valuable data on public attitudes towards government, including its role in the economy, social welfare, and foreign policy.

Americans' Support for Limited Government

One of the most consistent findings in the Cambridge Studies is that Americans generally support a limited government. They prefer a government that plays a smaller role in the economy and social welfare, and that respects individual rights and freedoms.

This preference for limited government is rooted in the American tradition of individualism and self-reliance. Americans believe that they should be responsible for their own well-being and that government should not interfere in their lives.

Government's Role in the Economy

When it comes to the economy, Americans generally believe that the government should play a limited role. They support free markets and oppose government intervention in the economy, such as price controls or regulations.

However, there is some support for government intervention in certain sectors of the economy, such as healthcare and education. Americans believe that the government has a responsibility to ensure that all citizens have access to basic necessities.

Government's Role in Social Welfare

Americans' beliefs about the government's role in social welfare are more complex. There is a general consensus that the government has a responsibility to provide for the poor and vulnerable. However, there is disagreement about the best way to do this.

Some Americans support social welfare programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, that provide direct assistance to individuals. Others believe that the government should focus on providing opportunities for people to help themselves, such as through education and job training.

Government's Role in Foreign Policy

Americans' beliefs about the government's role in foreign policy are also complex. There is a general consensus that the United States should play a leading role in world affairs. However, there is disagreement about the best way to do this.

Some Americans support a more interventionist foreign policy, with the United States using its military power to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Others believe that the United States should focus on its own interests and avoid getting involved in foreign conflicts.

Americans' beliefs about how government should work are complex and multifaceted. They generally support a limited government, but they also believe that the government has a responsibility to provide for the poor and vulnerable and to play a leading role in world affairs.

The Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Public Policy provide valuable insights into Americans' beliefs about government. These studies show that Americans are generally skeptical of government power and prefer a limited government. However, they also support government intervention in certain sectors of the economy and social welfare, and they believe that the United States should play a leading role in world affairs.

Stealth Democracy: Americans' Beliefs About How Government Should Work (Cambridge Studies in Public Opinion and Political Psychology)

by John R. Hibbing

4.7 out of 5