Question

Which quotations from the excerpt best represent reasonable evidence to support the claim that Americans are losing confidence in their government?
Choose yes or no for each quotation.

Quotations Yes No
. . . the willingness of Americans to save for the future has fallen below that of all other people in the Western world.
Yes – . . . the willingness of Americans to save for the future has fallen below that of all other people in the Western world.
No – . . . the willingness of Americans to save for the future has fallen below that of all other people in the Western world.
For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years.
Yes – For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years.
No – For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years.
The productivity of American workers is actually dropping. . .
Yes – The productivity of American workers is actually dropping. . .
No – The productivity of American workers is actually dropping. . .
Two-thirds of our people do not even vote.
Yes – Two-thirds of our people do not even vote.
No – Two-thirds of our people do not even vote.

Answer 1

Yes:

For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years.

Two-thirds of our people do not even vote.

No:

. . . the willingness of Americans to save for the future has fallen below that of all other people in the Western world.

The productivity of American workers is actually dropping. . .

Explanation:

The quotes in the "no" category do not symbolize a lack of faith in government; while they do allude to Americans losing hope, they do not do so in regards to their government. The quotes in the "yes" category on the other hand, directly tie Americans' lack of motivation and hope to the state of their government. Not voting indicates an unwillingness to choose from the selection of candidates given at election time. A lack of hope for the next five years indicates that the belief that the government will do what's right by the people is quickly fading.