The public's perception of government significantly affects political trust. When citizens view governmental practices as transparent, effective, and ethical, trust tends to be high, fostering a cooperative relationship with the state. Conversely, perceptions of corruption, inefficiency, or unresponsiveness can lead to distrust, discouraging civic participation and compliance with the law. Low trust can create a vicious cycle, where citizens disengage from the political process and feel alienated from decision-making, further exacerbating governmental legitimacy issues.