The share of Americans who believe the federal government is effective at improving their lives has dropped significantly since last year, a warning sign for Republicans struggling to assuage voters’ cost of living concerns and keep control of Washington.
Forty-three percent of US adults say the federal government is effective at bettering people’s lives, down from 51% in 2025, according to a new Bentley University-Gallup survey.
In comparison, 58% say state and local governments improve their lives, while 56% say the same of businesses and 77% of charitable and advocacy groups.
At the same time, more than nine in 10 Americans say the federal government has the power to make a positive impact on society — suggesting many believe the current administration is not making use of that power.