Question

Why do Americans hold unrealistically high expectations of government and its ability to institute reform?

Answer 1

That's a loaded question. American is the quiticential goverment made by the people. We are type A idealists. We are very hands on and expect our voice to be heard. We do (as seen in 2006) have the shape to change things, and when the governer in Wisconson kept his campaign promises and was challenged but then stayed in office becuase he was voted in.

Answer 2

Who says they do? People in general hold absurdly optomistic ideas of what government can do. If anything, Americans are among the *most* skeptical of this proposition. Which is not to say they are sufficiently skeptical -- but they're more skeptical than, say, Europeans.

Answer 3

I don't think other countries hold reform to such a high standard while processing "business as usual" for the most part we have. Other countries have faced devistating riots and civil unrest...we've had isolated riots and haven't had civil unrest since the Civil war