For most Americans, the answer is no, but it depends on what section of the public you are talking about. For the youth, elderly, poor and middle class, a significant majority of those surveyed believe that the federal government isn't doing enough to provide assistance to each group. When referring to the wealthy in America, however, nearly six in ten Americans claim that the government is providing far too much.

What kind of a ridiculous question is this? Government is not supposed to be a "provider." Insane.

Come on Sharon. Even you think the government should be a provider. You just have specific beliefs about what it should provide. (E.g., military protection, fair justice system, etc.)

First of all, I know it's not SavvyRoo's question so I'm not berating you for it, BUT I'm CERTAIN that the majority of people asked this question aren't responding in terms of national security or the branches and roles of government, but in terms of what does government PROVIDE to each group personally -- namely, MONEY for health care, retirement, loan benefits. etc. It's Pew's "Social Trends" department after all. ... But it's nice "seeing" you again. We should catch up sometime.

:)

I'm sure you are right about the poll respondents. I did find it interesting that according to this poll anyway, we look like a country ready for a socialist president. :-O