A look at civic confidence, the forces that erode it, and how institutions and citizens might build shared confidence in democratic life.
PRAY FIRST for federal officials to seek integrity and that citizens and leaders would pursue truth and accountability.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Psalm 25:21
Despite sounding like a phrase from political science class, civic trust has very real implications for everyday life. It refers to the belief that government institutions are legitimate, act competently and in the public’s interest, and that citizens’ voices matter in collective decision-making. Unlike personal agreement with a specific policy or politician, civic trust is about confidence in the system itself—that it will work fairly, respond to citizens, and uphold democratic norms. High trust does not require agreement with every decision, but it does provide a foundation that allows diverse citizens to cooperate for common good rather than drift into cynicism.
What Civic Trust Really Means
Trust in government matters for the smooth functioning of civic life. When people generally believe that institutions are credible and accountable, they are more likely to follow laws, participate in public debates, and support collective action. Low trust, on the contrary, can weaken compliance with public health guidance, weaken civic participation, and make it harder for elected leaders to govern effectively. Public confidence does not guarantee agreement with public policy, but it reflects whether many people think government institutions are worthy of reliance and that their decisions matter.
Why Confidence Has Eroded
For decades, data shows that Americans’ trust in their federal government has declined substantially. In the late 1950s, roughly three-quarters of U.S. adults said they trusted the federal government to do what was right most of the time; today, that figure hovers in the teens or low twenties—near historic lows in modern polling history. Across nearly seven decades, trust peaked around moments of unity, such as shortly after the September 11 attacks, and dipped after periods of war, economic strife, or political fragmentation.
Communication, transparency, and accountability play significant roles in shaping public confidence. When government actions seem hidden or explanations are unclear, suspicion naturally grows. Multi-year trends also show that many Americans feel political institutions are not responsive to their concerns. Additionally, surveys reveal a large majority believe public trust has declined over the past generation, and many say that lower trust in government makes it harder to solve national problems. These perceptions persist even among people who would like to see improvement, emphasizing a gap between expectations and experiences of management.
Everyday interactions people have with the government also shapes trust. When services such as public safety, education, or health care feel inaccessible, unfair, or fragmented, individuals may conclude that the system does not serve people like them. Those who live in communities that feel overlooked—whether due to geography, socioeconomic status, or historical marginalization—are especially likely to express lower confidence in government. Scholars studying civic health find that trust is closely linked to how people experience local public institutions and whether they feel their voices are heard.
Media dynamics and information environments also influence how the public perceives issues. The speed and volume of modern information—amplified by social media—can spread incomplete or conflicting narratives that shape how citizens view government actions. When misinformation or “truth decay” influences public discussion, people may struggle to distinguish between reliable information and partisan framing, further eroding confidence in institutions. Nevertheless, information alone is not enough. Sustained civic education and critical thinking skills can help us navigate complex public issues without becoming disengaged or cynical.
Information, Misinformation, and Skepticism
Public officials and organizations carry responsibilities as well. Trust can be cultivated when leaders communicate clearly about decisions, honestly admit uncertainty honestly, and demonstrate accountability even when outcomes are imperfect. When government actions sync with widely held norms of impartiality, oversight, and responsiveness, people are more likely to feel that institutions are both credible and legitimate. Practical steps might include improved transparency practices, regular reporting on policy outcomes, and inclusive processes for citizen input and feedback.
A healthier relationship between citizens and government would not erase disagreements, it would acknowledge them within a shared commitment to democratic norms and collective problem-solving. In such a relationship, disagreements can coexist with mutual respect when people feel heard, institutions reflect different viewpoints, and public conversations are steeped in both reason and civic responsibility.
Federal Actions
In 2025, the federal government took several steps aimed at strengthening public trust, civic trust, and transparency. One of the most visible efforts was a congressional hearing focused on transparency around unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Lawmakers framed the hearing as an attempt to restore public trust by increasing declassification, improving whistleblower protections, and addressing long‑standing concerns about government secrecy.
Legislatively, Congress introduced the Putting Trust in Transparency Act (H.R. 2841), which seeks to increase transparency in federal taxation and revenue processes. Although still in early stages, the bill reflects a broader push to make federal financial operations more accessible and understandable to the public.
Federal agencies also advanced transparency in healthcare through a proposed Transparency in Coverage rule released in late 2025. This multi‑agency effort aims to require clearer disclosure of health plan pricing and coverage details, giving consumers more insight into the true cost of care and improving trust in federal regulatory oversight.
Another major theme in 2025 was digital identity modernization. Federal agencies worked to update identity verification systems to improve security, reduce fraud, and streamline public access to services. These efforts were explicitly tied to improving public trust in digital government interactions, especially as outdated systems have historically undermined confidence.
Finally, research partnerships such as the State of Public Trust in Government 2025 report highlighted modest improvements in public trust and helped guide federal priorities. While not a government publication, the report reflects ongoing collaboration and provides insight into how federal actions have shaped public perceptions of transparency and accountability.
Why It Matters and How We Can Respond
As followers of Christ, civic trust isn’t abstract. It touches how we relate to neighbors, institutions, and the shared spaces we inhabit. Scripture calls us to pursue peace in ordinary, sometimes difficult relationships: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). When public institutions function with a measure of trust, it becomes easier for neighbors to cooperate, to care for shared spaces, and to address common challenges together. Even when confidence is strained, we can bring steadiness to civic life by modeling patience, humility, and a willingness to listen before reacting.
Also, in times of disagreement or uncertainty, our attitude matters as much as our position. We are invited to represent a wisdom that “is pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason” (James 3:17). Approaching public conversations this way does not require naiveté or silence but asks for courage shaped by grace. In a climate where suspicion often comes easily, thoughtful and charitable engagement can quietly rebuild trust—one conversation, one relationship, one faithful witness at a time.
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray for those in government to seek humility and patience in public engagement. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
— Pray for all who hold public office to lead with wisdom and transparency. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:42
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray for federal officials to be able to clearly communicate so citizens can understand the actions and choices of their government.
- Pray leaders to seek ways to build bridges between government and communities to allow people to feel heard and represented.
- Pray for Godly discernment so that truth would rise above misunderstandings or fears.
Sources: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Pew Research Center, Partnership for Public Service, University of New Hampshire, Rand Corporation, Congress.gov, House.gov, Federal News Network, Partnership for Public Service
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