A recent survey conducted by the UMBC Poll found that only 41 percent of Marylanders trust their state government “most of the time” or “just about always,” compared to 56 percent who trust it “never” or “only some of the time.” This lack of trust is consistent with national trends, with Americans generally trusting their state government more than the federal government.
One key factor influencing trust in government is political party affiliation, with Democrats more likely to trust the government when their party is in control. In Maryland, where Democrats hold a majority in the General Assembly and the governorship, 60 percent of Democrats trust the state government, compared to only 16 percent of Republicans.
The survey also found that trust in the state government is related to economic perceptions and attitudes towards the budget deficit. Residents who view the state’s economic situation positively are more likely to trust the government, while those who prefer spending cuts to address the budget deficit have lower levels of trust.
Improving public trust in government is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it encourages citizens to engage in civic duties and participate in the democratic process. While there is no quick fix to improving trust, elected leaders can take steps to address policy-related issues transparently to build public confidence.
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