Does shared ideology mean more trust in a president? This analysis reveals an asymmetry: U.S. conservatives show greater trust and legitimacy for presidents from the opposing party compared to liberals, challenging conventional polarization assumptions.

Research Methods: Using extensive survey data (ANES, GSS) from five decades, researchers identify this partisan disparity.

Key Findings: Liberals are significantly more likely than conservatives to distrust a Republican president. Conversely, they grant legitimacy to conservative-led governments more readily than vice versa.

Why It Matters: This asymmetrical 'president-in-power' effect underscores the fragility of democratic norms and highlights how differing perceptions among political factions can impact governmental stability.