In a new survey, 40% of young adults say that a career in government is appealing to them, compared with 35% in a similar survey in 1997. Hart-Teeter conducted the survey among 600 young adults age 18 to 30 for the Council for Excellence in Government. The questions focused on young Americans' level of interest in government service and explored who and what might motivate them to consider service.

Other findings:

Interest in government service is motivated more by a sense of public spirit than was the case five years ago. In 1997, a 53% majority said good compensation and job security were the most appealing features of government service, compared with 40% who cited helping people or serving their community or country. Now the motivations are reversed: 54% find helping people or serving the community appealing, while just 42% look to personal economic reward or security.

Public service can be inspired both by national leaders and those closer to home. Half of young people say they would give serious consideration to a request for government service coming from President Bush (52%) or Secretary of State Colin Powell (49%). Young adults would give even more attention to appeals from their parents (65%), other young people already working in the public sector (61%), or a teacher or professor (54%).

"We have never been asked." Most young Americans (62%) report that while in high school or college they have not been asked to consider government service.

Young Americans would like the government to bring the same kind of effort to dealing with domestic problems as it has to the war on terrorism. Two thirds (66%) respond positively to this idea. Improving schools is ranked the number one priority for government by those questioned. Other priorities include finding cures for major diseases, reducing poverty, and finding renewable energy sources and protecting the environment.

Young Americans' Call to Public Service - Summary, PowerPoint presentation, and topline data