It's because America sets itself up as the best country in the world, but it lags behind many others when it comes to social safety nets. So the expectations are high based on the rhetoric that politicians use about America, and thus when they're disappointed the feelings are bitter. I think it's also because depending on the state, taxes are high. So you expect better for your taxes. In California taxes are as much as 40%. If taxes are that high the government better provide world class services. But it often doesn't.