Is 'Smaller Government' Sentiment Returning?

Data shows Americans think government does "too much"

A recent Gallup poll shows that a majority of Americans (52%) have returned to the view that government is doing too many things—things that should be “left to individuals and businesses”. This marks a reversal of a short-lived appetite for a more activist government role last year (54%). So, are Americans fundamentally turning more libertarian, or is this just a short-term reaction to the spending plans now being considered in Congress?

In either case, this poll is not good news for Democrats. Even if President Biden’s “Build Back Better Act” is negotiated down from $3.5 trillion to $2 trillion, it would still be one of the largest spending plans in U.S. history. And while the plan does include policies that many Americans support (like childcare, universal Pre-K and cutting prescription drug prices), it’s also loaded with more controversial items (like climate change initiatives and paid family and medical leave).

But the biggest obstacle to support might be the sheer size of the proposal. To paraphrase the late Senator Everett Dirksen: “A trillion here, a trillion there and pretty soon you’re talking real money.” People see a stubborn pandemic hanging on, and an equally stubborn inflation that’s causing high prices for just about everything they buy. In that context, it might be difficult for many Americans to justify throwing more government money into the mix.

Democrats were already facing a daunting task to hold onto power in the 2022 mid-term elections. This shift in favor of a reduced government role can only further complicate things for them.