![](http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/12/FT_15.12.11_typicalAmerican_patriotic.png)
The public gives the “typical American” a mixed assessment when asked about specific traits. Most (79%) agree that the term “patriotic” describes the typical American very or fairly well, and majorities also view the typical American as “honest” (69%) and “intelligent” (67%).
However, just over two-thirds (68%) say the term “selfish” also applies to the typical American very or fairly well, and half of the public says that the typical American can be aptly described as “lazy.”
![](http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/12/FT_15.12.11_typicalAmerican_lazy_v2.png)
It’s worth noting, however, that in a separate Pew Research Center survey released today, few Americans call themselves “lazy.”
![](http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/12/FT_15.12.11_typicalAmerican_parties.png)
These views have changed dramatically since 2007, when a majority (57%) had at least a good deal of trust and confidence in the American people’s political wisdom. The decline has come among both Democrats and Republicans: Just 37% of Democrats and Democratic leaners have at least a good deal of confidence in the public’s political wisdom, as do 36% of Republicans and Republican leaners, down from 57% and 61%, respectively, eight years ago.
However, even as the public readily acknowledges the shortcomings of Americans, a majority nonetheless see themselves as better able than politicians to solve the nation’s problems.
Most Americans (56%) acknowledge that the big issues facing the country lack clear solutions. Yet a comparable majority (55%) says that “ordinary Americans” could do a better job than elected officials of solving the country’s problems. Only about four-in-ten (39%) say elected officials could do no better than the politicians.
![](http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/12/FT_15.12.11_typicalAmerican_elected.png)
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