[Hot Air] Americans, it seems, are growing increasingly dubious, skeptical, even cynical about many of their once-hallowed institutions.These include especially Congress. But any such disapproval list also contains TV news, newspapers, unions, public schools and even the criminal justice system.
Only two institutions ‐ the military and small business ‐ hold an overwhelming net positive opinion in the minds of Americans. The volunteer military has by far the most public confidence ‐ 94 percent with a great deal or some confidence in it. Only five percent have none, according to a new Gallup phone survey of 1,520 adult Americans..
Small business draws some or a lot of confidence from 83 percent, with only six percent none. "The police" have 85 percent with at least some confidence, but a large number of no confidence ‐ 15 percent.
After those institutions the confidence numbers decline rather rapidly, suggesting if continued a long-term threat to political stability. More on that below.