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Questions and Answers
What percentage of the public believed that Boris Johnson was untrustworthy by August 2022?
What percentage of the public believed that Boris Johnson was untrustworthy by August 2022?
By 2023, what was the percentage of the public that trusted politicians to tell the truth?
By 2023, what was the percentage of the public that trusted politicians to tell the truth?
What was the percentage decrease in public trust towards the government placing national needs above party needs from 2021 to 2023?
What was the percentage decrease in public trust towards the government placing national needs above party needs from 2021 to 2023?
What did the 2023 Ipsos survey reveal about the level of trust in politicians?
What did the 2023 Ipsos survey reveal about the level of trust in politicians?
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According to analysis in 2024, what percentage of individuals aged 18-60 agreed that 'politicians don't care what people like me think'?
According to analysis in 2024, what percentage of individuals aged 18-60 agreed that 'politicians don't care what people like me think'?
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What conclusion did pollster Luke Tryl reach about public perception of politicians?
What conclusion did pollster Luke Tryl reach about public perception of politicians?
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What is generally high when people have confidence in their government?
What is generally high when people have confidence in their government?
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What was the effect of the Conservative government's actions on public trust according to the report?
What was the effect of the Conservative government's actions on public trust according to the report?
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What term is used to describe the benefit of ongoing evaluation of political leaders through skepticism?
What term is used to describe the benefit of ongoing evaluation of political leaders through skepticism?
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What percentage of trust was indicated in politicians during the 2024 election campaign study by Ipsos?
What percentage of trust was indicated in politicians during the 2024 election campaign study by Ipsos?
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According to Bertsou, what is NOT an aspect of political distrust?
According to Bertsou, what is NOT an aspect of political distrust?
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What public perception is strongly associated with political distrust?
What public perception is strongly associated with political distrust?
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What has caused the decline in political trust in the UK over recent decades?
What has caused the decline in political trust in the UK over recent decades?
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How did public trust in the government change between 1986 and 2010?
How did public trust in the government change between 1986 and 2010?
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What type of trust may carry a strong moral judgement when breached?
What type of trust may carry a strong moral judgement when breached?
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Which of the following best describes 'liberal distrust' according to experts?
Which of the following best describes 'liberal distrust' according to experts?
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What is the primary reason cited by non-voters for not participating in the 2024 elections?
What is the primary reason cited by non-voters for not participating in the 2024 elections?
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Which factor contributed to an increase in distrust towards Keir Starmer from April to May 2023?
Which factor contributed to an increase in distrust towards Keir Starmer from April to May 2023?
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What does the 41st British Social Attitudes Report indicate about public trust in government?
What does the 41st British Social Attitudes Report indicate about public trust in government?
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According to research by Voogd et al., what effect does low trust have on voter behavior?
According to research by Voogd et al., what effect does low trust have on voter behavior?
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What potential outcome can high levels of political distrust create in electoral environments?
What potential outcome can high levels of political distrust create in electoral environments?
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What behavior might voters exhibit due to high political distrust when it comes to elections?
What behavior might voters exhibit due to high political distrust when it comes to elections?
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What percentage of the public considered Keir Starmer untrustworthy in September 2024?
What percentage of the public considered Keir Starmer untrustworthy in September 2024?
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What was highlighted as a significant problem affecting faith in politics overall?
What was highlighted as a significant problem affecting faith in politics overall?
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Study Notes
Political Distrust Overview
- Political distrust in the UK is at unprecedented levels, reshaping the electoral landscape.
- Trust is generally linked to confidence in government and leaders, perceived as trustworthy and capable.
- "Liberal distrust" can ensure accountability but today’s distrust is deeper and more harmful.
Bertsou's Analysis of Political Distrust
- Political distrust is a robust belief in the untrustworthiness of political leaders, distinct from mere skepticism.
- Once established, reversing public distrust toward government is challenging.
- Three dimensions of political distrust:
- Competence: Evaluation of leaders’ competency.
- Unethical Conduct: Public concern over corruption, untrustworthiness, and fairness.
- Partisanship: Distrust increases toward politicians from opposing groups.
Decline of Political Trust in the UK
- Decline observed over several decades, linked to scandals like the 2009 MPs expenses scandal.
- Trust in government to prioritize national needs dropped from 40% in 1986 to 20% in 2010.
Recent Trust Metrics
- British Social Attitudes Survey 2023 indicates trust in government is at a 50-year low.
- 76% felt Boris Johnson was untrustworthy; 65% viewed Rishi Sunak similarly.
- Public’s trust in government to prioritize national issues fell from 24% (2021) to 14% (2023).
- Trust in politicians for truthfulness dropped dramatically from 12% to 5%.
Historical Context of Distrust
- Ipsos 2023 survey: Trust in politicians at its lowest in 40 years, with just 9% believing in their honesty.
- Almost all trust decline occurred during the Conservative government from 2019 to 2024.
- British Election Study 2024 showed 70% of 18-60 year-olds believe politicians disregard the public’s opinions.
Consequences of Political Distrust
- High voter distrust results in unstable electoral environments and shifts in party preferences.
- Research indicates distrust can lead to the rise of populist parties promoting simple solutions.
- Distrust motivates voters to express dissatisfaction through protest votes, even against ideologically aligned parties.
Shift in Public Perception of Leaders
- After a period of exposure, public distrust in leaders like Keir Starmer increased significantly.
- Events like the Sue Gray job offer led to a drastic rise in perceived untrustworthiness for Starmer.
- By September 2024, 47% of respondents viewed Starmer as untrustworthy.
Non-voter Sentiment
- In 2024, the leading reason for not voting was a lack of trust in politicians (34%).
- Distinct observation: Public sentiment towards political entities is increasingly skeptical, resulting in widespread distrust across party lines.
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Description
Explore the dynamics of political trust and distrust in Western democracies. This quiz examines how these sentiments affect elections and the importance of accountability in governance. Test your knowledge on the implications of political distrust and its influence on the electoral landscape.
