Challenges in Governance: Why Americans Question the Efficacy of Government Institutions

Have you watched the latest antics playing out in Congress? The Republican party has been utilizing nonsensical and utterly irresponsible rhetoric, blocking progress on crucial issues such as gun control. Instead, they are wasting time on trivial debates and forming committees to impeach the President—sloppy work that lacks political acumen and solely serves to weaken their stance.

Their actions are a stark reminder of governance gone awry. From perceived irresponsibility in political leadership to the pursuit of personal advantage over the public good, the dysfunction in Congress is poisoning American faith in government.

The Decline of Public Trust: Government Agencies and Their Impact

When discussing government agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often emerges as an example of inefficacy. Many people perceive the EPA as a bureaucratic organization that burdens businesses with unnecessary rules. This sentiment is mirrored in the belief that other agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) serve no meaningful purpose.

However, such views are shortsighted. Take the case of the Cuyahoga River, once infamous for its recurrent fires. After the establishment of the EPA, the occurrence of river fires became a relic of the past. Yet, the public tends to forget the reasons behind the measures in place, leading to the eventual calling into question of their effectiveness.

From Necessity to American Memory

Public perception of the EPA is a case in point. Over time, it is easy for people to forget the reasons why certain regulations were put in place. For instance, the requirement for canaries in mines to detect toxic gases was once a seemingly unnecessary rule, but it served a crucial purpose. Over time, the reason for the rule became forgotten, and when the rule was abolished, it led to a tragic loss of lives. This unfortunate sequence of events serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of such regulations.

The story of the EPA and the Cuyahoga River demonstrates a broader trend: when government agencies do their job right and prevent disasters, people tend to forget the reasons why the measures were put in place in the first place. It is only in the absence of good governance that the importance of these agencies is rediscovered.

The Boring Side of a Successful Government

A truly effective government often goes unnoticed. As with the best leaders, the best government agencies achieve their goals without significant public acknowledgment. This is because a well-functioning government smooths over issues before they become major problems, making it seem as though no action is needed. However, it is precisely in the absence of visible action that the true value of these agencies is realized.

For example, when someone does everything correctly and perfectly, the team often attributes their success to individual effort rather than recognizing the collective impact. In the same vein, when a government agency operates seamlessly, people may not realize the smooth functioning until it fails, as seen with the elimination of safety rules that led to disaster.

The current state of governance challenges the trust that the American public once had in government institutions. The perception that these agencies are burdensome and ineffective is a misplaced one that is based on a shallow understanding of their role and function. What is needed is a re-evaluation of these agencies, not a dismissal of their significance.

Ultimately, the efficacy of government agencies should not be judged solely on their visibility and the frequency of public acknowledgment. Instead, they should be evaluated on their ability to prevent disasters and protect the public interest. The United States must stay vigilant and hold its government accountable to ensure that it continues to function as it should.

For a deeper dive into the topic of governance and public perception, consider the following sources:

[1] Brookings, US is an Insular Nation but Foreign Policy Needs to Become More Inclusive

[2] Vox, Trump Impeachment: This is what we know about the new articles

[3] EPA, EPA History and Evolution