Declining Trust Flashcards
In 1960, what percentage of Americans said that they trusted their government?
70%
By 1974, what percentage of Americans said that they trusted their government?
40%
List the 6 reasons as to why there was a decline in trust.
- The media
- Scandal
- Mishandling of events
- The White House
- Social Factors
- The Presidents
When did criticism begin to grow within the media?
When the Korean War began and Truman failed to handle the media.
From 1968, what was the media doing more of?
Uncovering government deception.
What did the focus of media stories begin to shift to?
Showing that the government and the president were telling only parts of the story - keeping things from the American people.
What was the name of the scandal that shook American people?
The Watergate Scandal
When was the Watergate Scandal?
1972 - 1974
What did the Watergate Scandal show?
The White House and President Nixon were guilty of burglary and surveillance of political opponents.
In the tapes, what did Nixon show that he was okay with doing?
Lying to the American people.
What major event could the government not avoid responsibility for?
The conduct of the Vietnam War.
After which President were future presidents more involved in decision-making?
Roosevelt
As the media uncovered army scandals and government mishandling of the war, what began to grow?
Public opposition
Complete the sentence:
As the presidential staff grew, the number of…
Then expand on the information.
…groups reporting directly to the president also grew.
- Staff members acted in the president’s name without consulting him, some took bribes and made deals.
What did the White House become dependent on in regards to the cost of staffing and campaigning?
Those who donated funds.
