Forty-nine percent (49%) of American voters believe that the Federal Government Itself has become a special interest group. That figure is down from 56% in December and 72% during the 1990s. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that just 15% disagree and say the government is not a special interest group. Thirty-five percent (35%) are not sure.

Men (56%) are more likely than women (44%) to view the government as a special interest group. Voters over 50 are more skeptical than those under 40. The skepticism cuts across all partisan lines—46% of Democrats view the federal government as a special interest group. So do 49% of Republicans and 54% of those not affiliated with either major party.

Earlier surveys have found continuing high levels of skepticism about politics and government. Thirty-nine percent (39%) believes that used car salesman are more ethical than members of Congress. During the height of the Abramoff scandal in 2006, just 15% believed that the lobbyist did anything different than what lobbyists typically do.

Another measure found that just 16% of Americans believe that Congress is doing a good or an excellent job.

A survey released earlier this week found that most Americans believe that most politicians are influenced by lobbyists. Just 19% believe that their interests are represented by lobbyists in Washington.

Democrats are trusted more than Republicans on the issues of ethics and government corruption, but 37% of voters don’t trust either party.

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