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The Sources and Consequences of Political Mistrust among African Americans

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

This study calls into question the current wisdom in the political trust literature maintaining that trust in government, for all citizens, represents satisfaction with short-term political and policy performance and does not affect political participation. I argue, first, that the sources of political trust among African Americans are distinct from those of Whites: Trust among African Americans follows more from racial group consciousness than from short-term political and policy evaluations. Second, I argue that lack of trust among African Americans is associated with a greater propensity to engage in protest types of participation. The findings support these hypotheses and suggest that lack of trust among Blacks represents displeasure with the political system.

Key Words: African Americans • political participation • trust • protest • racial consciousness

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