IRS, NSA, Congress, now the Secret Service — what’s to like about American government?

Given director Julia Pierson’ resignation this week amid security lapses at the White House, add the Secret Service to the list of government entities with compromised reputations. We gauge public attitude with Frank Newport, editor on chief at the Gallup Poll.

The resignation of the director of the Secret Service on Wednesday — after accounts of severe security lapses at the White House — certainly doesn’t do anything to help the image of the federal government. Could that image get much worse? We gauge public attitude with Frank Newport, editor in chief at the Gallup Poll.

The Supreme Court is back in session next week. While the judicial branch of government scores much higher in trust than either the executive or the legislative, job approval rating for the Supreme Court is just about exactly where Obama’s is — no better. In other words, people have faith in the institution, but at the moment don’t think it’s doing such a great job.

With the midterm elections now just a month away, what’s the interest level like — particularly compared to the pivotal 2010 midterm elections? Democrats just aren’t as engaged.

Many Americans say they would like to see a third party in American politics.

One issue that has caused considerable political wrangling over the years is whether or not prayer should be observed in public schools. Americans still support this idea, although not by quite as much of a margin as historically.