A recent Napolitan News survey found that 65% of voters agree with the idea that government, "has an important role to play in society, but it is not the lead role." Instead, "positive change almost always begins outside of politics and government." Seven in 10 Republicans (71%) agree with that statement, along with 6 in 10 Democrats (62%). Across the country, just 15% of voters disagree, while 1 in 5 (19%) are not sure.

Roughly 7 in 10 voters who make more than $35,000 per year believe that statement is true. A slight majority (53%) making below $35,000 per year agree, though 29% remain undecided and 18% disagree. Even a majority of government employees (54%) believe government should not play a leading role in society. Still, 35% of government employees disagree with the idea that the government does not lead, and oppose the idea that change usually starts outside it.

This data is from a Napolitan News Service survey of 1,000 Registered Voters conducted online by Scott Rasmussen, August 10-11, 2026. RMG Research, Inc., conducted the field work for the survey. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1.