American Views About Public Services: A Challenging Paradox for Public Administrators

Abstract

This review of public opinion about the role of government in the United States finds a perhaps surprising combination of conservative and liberal beliefs. For example, while they are strongly supportive of tax cuts, Americans also want more government activism in a wide variety of areas. This certainly presents a challenge for public administrators and government since the means for fulfilling these desires of the citizens are far from readily apparent.

Keywords:

• public opinion
• taxes
• government services
• social issues