Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Americans like their member of Congress more than they like Congress itself

This is a common finding.

11% approve of Congress, 44% approve of their member of Congress.

The Gallup poll shows dips in both, but the numbers for Congress overall is close to a record low.

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job?

The number for the individual member is a record low - but its 4 times the number for Congress.

Americans' Approval of Their Own Representative

Notice the persistence of the difference in these two figures. There's lot to be made of it. I always found it interesting that we have a lower collective opinion of the institution we have the connection too, but it is also composed of individuals from across the country, many of whom have opinions we loath. It's democratic and messy.