Why do americans hold unrealistically high expectations of government and its ability to institute reform?

 The correct answer is :  Most political change is incremental. 150 years ago the federal government had fewer responsibilities and citizens had few expectations. State governments were more powerful. When the nation and the economy grew in size, citizens' expectations increased and the federal government acquired more responsibilities. FDR's New Deal was an example of this. Changes in the population have also created controversy. Americans have high and often unrealistic expectations of the government, but often do not appreciate how much their government really does for them. The lack of confidence of the Americans in the institutions also explains part of the apathy evidenced in the electorate.

lincoln won 212 electoral votes to mcclellan's 21 votes, and lincoln beat mcclellan. is the main reason lincoln won in 1864.