I think there's also a slightly different reaction to it, because most Americans like to feel like, at some level, the government works for citizens, and is ult

I think there's also a slightly different reaction to it, because most Americans like to feel like, at some level, the government works for citizens, and is ultimately responsible directly to them. If the government is willing to spy directly on the people it should be serving, then it starts to feel like it's out of control.