A new Quinnipiac University poll finds that most Americans believe the system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches is not working well, with sharp partisan divisions on the state of government and President Donald Trump’s policies.
According to the survey, conducted from February 13-17, only 38% of registered voters say the system of checks and balances is working well, while 54% say it is not. Republicans are the most optimistic, with 57% saying the system is functioning properly. In contrast, 80% of Democrats believe it is not working well. Independents are split, with 41% saying the system is working and 52% disagreeing.
“In a perfect world, the three great pillars of U.S. government stand firm, functional, and aligned with the Constitution. It’s clear at the moment that registered voters sense dysfunction,” said Quinnipiac Polling Analyst Tim Malloy.
Trump approval and policy divides
The poll found Trump’s approval rating at 45%, with 49% disapproving of his performance. His support is overwhelmingly partisan—90% of Republicans approve of his job performance, while 95% of Democrats disapprove.
When it comes to specific policy areas, Trump’s approval ratings are mixed:
- Immigration: 46% approve, 49% disapprove
- Economy: 44% approve, 48% disapprove
- Foreign policy: 44% approve, 48% disapprove
- Trade: 42% approve, 49% disapprove
- Federal workforce: 41% approve, 49% disapprove
- Russia-Ukraine war: 40% approve, 44% disapprove
- Israel-Hamas conflict: 38% approve, 47% disapprove
Voters are evenly split on whether Trump’s policies will help or hurt the economy, with 44% on each side. However, a majority (51%) believe his tariffs will hurt the U.S. economy, while 40% think they will help.
Congress approval: Democrats hit all-time low
Congressional approval ratings show a stark contrast between the two parties. Only 21% of voters approve of how Democrats in Congress are handling their jobs, an all-time low, while 68% disapprove. Meanwhile, 40% approve of how Republicans in Congress are performing, marking a record high, though 52% still disapprove.
Malloy described the results as a “sobering slap down of historic proportions for the Democrats in Congress.”
Public perception of Elon Musk and government power
The survey also examined public opinion on tech billionaire Elon Musk, who serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration.
- 55% of Americans believe Musk has too much power in making decisions affecting the U.S.
- 42% disapprove of Musk playing a prominent role in the administration, while 42% approve.
- 78% of Republicans believe Musk’s level of power is appropriate, while 96% of Democrats think he has too much influence.
Other key findings
- Inflation remains a top concern: 64% of voters say inflation is a very serious problem.
- Trump’s Gaza proposal is unpopular: Only 22% support his plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, while 62% oppose it.
- Distrust of Putin: 81% say the U.S. should not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Gender policy debate: 57% support Trump’s executive order recognizing only two sexes—male and female—while 38% oppose it.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion: 53% think DEI policies benefit organizations, while 38% say they are harmful.
The poll surveyed 1,039 registered voters nationwide and has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.
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