Based on the Despite Negativity, Americans Mixed on Ideal Role of Gov't article:

“Americans have divided opinions when asked to think broadly about the purpose of government. About as many Americans (35%) prefer an activist government that tries in every way to improve the lives of its citizens as prefer a government that provides only the most basic government functions (37%), with the rest placing themselves between these two positions. These attitudes, basically unchanged from a year ago, underscore the complex nature of Americans' views of government. Americans have strongly negative views of the way the nation is being governed and of Congress. They also, as will be reviewed here, have significant concerns about the power of the federal government, believe that government is doing too much that individuals and businesses can do, and prefer fewer services and lower taxes. Yet, in a broad sense, Americans are as likely to prefer a more active government as a more limited one” (Newport 2011).

The meaning of this passage is generally focused on Americans perspective on how they view the government’s power. Some Americans feel that the government doesn’t use their power to improve individual’s lives. On the other hand, some have no problem with the functionally of the government as it is today. Many feel that the government should take less and do more. Meaning, less tax deduction and leaving Americans with more allowing more power on citizens and less in the government system.

I choose this passage for several reasons; first, I strongly feel that the government system abuses their power on the middle class citizen in comparison to the rich and/or poor class. Being a part of the middle class it places me in between the rich and the poor class where more taxes get deducted from the middle class to make up what cannot be deducted from the rich and/or poor leaving us with limited power. Second, as a citizen I question the power of the federal government in doing what is right. I feel that the government is sometimes more concerned with what doesn’t involve us. Leaving the question as to what is really being done to improve Americans middle class lives. Third, I feel this passage brings awareness to question why the middle class suffers more than the rich and/or poor class. Why does the middle class support not only their own family members but also the low income class? Who does the wealthy class support? Why does the wealthy and low income class have more power over the middle class, shouldn't it be equality?