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Trust in Government: An Alternative Methodology Using Letters to the Editor

Ludwig, Karen M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1115750787

Abstract Details

2005, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Political Science.
This research will explore the different facets of political trust and it will look at the severity of dissatisfaction that exists within the American electorate by analyzing the content of letters written to the editor of various regional newspapers. It will cover the years between 1990 and 2000 and specifically look at three different snap-shots in time: 1990, 1994-95, and 1999. This research will not attempt to measure any increase or decrease regarding the number of Americans who are angry with the government. It will give a general overview of the data and findings, which will include an analysis of where letter writers are directing their anger. It will characterize the nature of this dissatisfaction, its severity, and where this anger fits into theories of government distrust. This research will specifically look at dissatisfaction that is directed at the US Congress and the Supreme Court to determine if the letter writer is angry at the institution or the people within the institution. Demographic differences such as sex, region of country, elite verses mass opinion, and year are also explored. The 1994 congressional election will also be explored regarding the extent to which dissatisfaction and hostility towards government contributed to the unexpected Republican takeover of both houses of Congress. Letters will be critically evaluated for any discussion of the “Contract with America” to determine possible effects it had on the election. Finally, this research will consider the nature and severity of systemic complaints and look at the severity of changes proposed by letter writers.
Dr. Alfred Tuchfarber (Advisor)
149 p.
Political Science, General
Trust in Government; Public opinion; Letters to the editor

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ludwig, K. M. (2005). Trust in Government: An Alternative Methodology Using Letters to the Editor [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1115750787

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ludwig, Karen. Trust in Government: An Alternative Methodology Using Letters to the Editor. 2005. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1115750787.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ludwig, Karen. "Trust in Government: An Alternative Methodology Using Letters to the Editor." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1115750787

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1115750787
545
© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.