WASHINGTON - The latest Pew Research Center poll released Sunday evening revealed that 80 percent of Americans do not trust the government.

According to the poll, the administration's health care plan fostered a comprehensive, nationwide mistrust of the government.

Just 22 percent of respondents said they can trust the government "almost always" or "most of the time," marking the lowest confidence rating in half a century.

Only 25 percent of those polled hold a favorable view of Congress, compared with 65 percent who distrust the nation's legislative body, the most negative view in 25 years. Only 17 percent of those surveyed said Congress does a "good job."

Pew Research Center President Andrew Kohut said results reflect an "epic discontent with Congress and elected officials."

"Opposition to congressional incumbents, already approaching an all-time high, continues to climb," the report stated.

The survey showed that 57 percent of respondents who support the Tea Party movement, 43 percent of Republicans and 50 percent of Independents believe the Obama government is threatening the personal freedom of Americans.

The initial survey polled 2,505 citizens by landline and cell phone between March 11 and 21. Another 1,000 people were polled in three follow-up surveys.

The upcoming elections will likely reflect growing American discontent with the government, according to the research center.

Click play for more analysis with Regent University School of Government Dean Charles Dunn.

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