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SALT LAKE CITY -- A record number of Americans are unhappy with lawmakers and the government.
The latest Gallup Poll says a record-low 19 percent of Americans is satisfied with the federal government.
Gallup expects the number will continue to drop with another budget battle coming up and what likely will be a very contentious presidential election just around the corner.
- 82% of Americans disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job.
- 69% say they have little or no confidence in the legislative branch of government.
- 53% have little or no confidence in the men and women who seek or hold elected office.
- Americans believe that the federal government wastes 51 cents of every tax dollar.
Republicans were the most frustrated with 92 percent unhappy with the government; 65 percent of Democrats weren't happy with how things are going in Washington DC.
The poll also found 49 percent of the country thought the government posed an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.
Politico reports the poll did find 57 percent of Americans trust the federal government when it comes to handling international issues but only 43 percent thought the government was able to handle domestic problems.
The poll found 53 percent have lost confidence not only with the people in office but also in candidates for office.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
