Hot Topics
Survey Reports
November 11, 1999
Retro-Politics
Questionnaire Part 2
Q.19 Next I'm going to read you some words and phrases and ask you to rate how well each
describes you. Please use a scale from 1 to 10, where "10" represents a description that
is PERFECT for you, and "1" represents a description that is TOTALLY WRONG for you.
(First,) on this scale of 1 to 10, how well does...(READ ITEM; ROTATE ITEMS) describe you?
(INTERVIEWERS: RE-READ SCALE DESCRIPTION AFTER EVERY FIVE ITEMS: "10 represents a
description that is PERFECT for you, and "1" represents a description that is TOTALLY
WRONG for you. You can choose any number between 1 and 10.)
Description
Totally Description
Wrong Perfect DK
1 - 3 4 - 7 8 - 10
a. A religious person 12 33 55 *=100
March, 1994 14 34 51 1=100
April, 1987 11 39 49 1=100
b. Supporter of the
women's movement 16 42 41 1=100
March, 1994 26 45 25 4=100
May, 1990 21 45 30 4=100
April, 1987 22 46 29 3=100
c. An environmentalist 12 44 43 1=100
March, 1994 13 41 43 3=100
May, 1990 9 43 42 6=100
April, 1987 9 49 39 3=100
d. A Republican 38 35 24 3=100
March, 1994 38 33 25 4=100
May, 1990 42 27 25 6=100
April, 1987 48 29 19 4=100
e. A Democrat 33 33 31 3=100
March, 1994 37 32 27 4=100
May, 1990 34 29 31 6=100
April, 1987 33 32 31 4=100
f. A liberal 33 44 19 4=100
March, 1994 34 41 19 6=100
May, 1990 34 37 21 8=100
April, 1987 37 37 19 7=100
g. A conservative 21 45 32 2=100
March, 1994 22 44 30 4=100
May, 1990 27 38 28 7=100
April, 1987 28 39 27 6=100
h. A union supporter 30 39 29 2=100
March, 1994 33 37 27 3=100
May, 1990 31 36 28 5=100
April, 1987 32 39 26 3=100
i. A supporter of
business interests 12 52 33 3=100
March, 1994 12 45 38 5=100
May, 1990 10 43 41 6=100
April, 1987 17 50 29 4=100
j. A National Rifle
Association supporter44 28 26 2=100
March 1994 45 26 26 3=100
April, 1987 37 29 27 7=100
k. A supporter of the
civil rights movement11 37 50 2=100
March, 1994 13 37 46 4=100
May, 1990 11 38 45 6=100
April, 1987 12 38 47 3=100
l. A supporter of the
pro-life movement 27 33 36 4=100
March, 1994 41 27 28 4=100
May, 1990 37 26 31 6=100
April, 1987 35 29 32 4=100
m. A supporter of the
gay rights movement 50 31 17 2=100
March, 1994 56 26 15 3=100
April, 1987 66 22 9 3=100
n. A supporter of the
pro-choice movement 27 33 36 4=100
March, 1994 37 25 35 3=100
o. Anti-government 58 31 8 3=100
p. A patriot 8 30 59 3=100
q. Financially well off 25 57 17 1=100
r. Working class 8 24 67 1=100
s. A poor person 42 40 16 2=100
t. Internet enthusiast 37 36 23 4=100
Q.20 Now I'd like your opinion of some groups and organizations. As I read from a list,
please tell me which category best describes your overall opinion of what I name. (First,)
would you say your overall opinion of...(INSERT ITEM; ROTATE) is very favorable, mostly
favorable, mostly UNfavorable, or very unfavorable? (INTERVIEWERS: PROBE TO DISTINGUISH
BETWEEN "NEVER HEARD OF" AND "CAN'T RATE")
Very Mostly Mostly Very Never
Favor- Favor- Unfavor- Unfavor- Heard Can't
ASK ALL able able able able Of Rate
a. The Republican Party 8 45 31 12 * 4=100
February, 1999 7 37 36 15 0 5=100
January, 1999 10 34 27 23 0 6=100
Early December, 1998 11 35 27 20 * 7=100
October, 1998 (RVs) 9 43 28 14 0 6=100
Early September, 1998 9 47 26 11 * 7=100
March, 1998 10 40 31 12 * 7=100
August, 1997 9 38 36 11 * 6=100
June, 1997 8 43 31 11 1 6=100
January, 1997 8 44 33 10 * 5=100
October, 1995 10 42 28 16 * 4=100
December, 1994 21 46 19 8 * 6=100
July, 1994 12 51 25 8 * 4=100
May, 1993 12 42 25 10 0 11=100
July, 1992 9 37 31 17 * 6=100
b. The Democratic Party 14 45 28 9 * 4=100
February, 1999 11 47 26 11 0 5=100
January, 1999 14 41 26 12 0 7=100
Early December, 1998 18 41 24 10 0 7=100
October, 1998 (RVs) 11 45 29 9 * 6=100
Early September, 1998 13 47 25 8 * 7=100
March, 1998 15 43 26 10 * 6=100
August, 1997 11 41 32 10 0 6=100
June, 1997 10 51 25 8 * 6=100
January, 1997 13 47 28 7 * 5=100
October, 1995 9 40 37 11 0 3=100
December, 1994 13 37 31 13 * 6=100
July, 1994 13 39 27 7 * 4=100
May, 1993 14 43 25 9 0 9=100
July, 1992 17 44 24 9 * 6=100
ASK ITEM c THRU f FORM A ONLY:
c. Congress 8 55 27 7 * 3=100
June, 1999 9 47 30 9 * 5=100
February, 1999 4 48 36 8 0 4=100
January, 1999 7 41 30 15 0 7=100
Early December, 1998 11 41 29 12 0 7=100
October, 1998 (RVs) 7 55 25 8 0 5=100
Early September, 1998 7 59 22 5 0 7=100
October, 1997 5 48 33 11 0 3=100
August 1997 6 44 33 11 0 6=100
June, 1997 4 48 34 8 0 6=100
May, 1997 5 44 32 10 * 9=100
February, 1997 6 46 31 9 * 8=100
January, 1997 6 50 32 8 * 4=100
June, 1996 6 39 38 12 * 5=100
April, 1996 6 39 37 13 0 5=100
January, 1996 4 38 38 16 * 4=100
October, 1995 4 38 42 13 0 3=100
August, 1995 5 40 34 13 * 7=100
June, 1995 8 45 31 11 * 5=100
February, 1995 10 44 27 10 0 9=100
July, 1994 7 46 34 9 * 4=100
May, 1993 8 35 35 13 0 9=100
November, 1991 7 44 34 9 0 6=100
March, 1991 16 50 19 7 0 8=100
May, 1990 6 53 25 9 1 6=100
May, 1988 8 56 23 5 0 8=100
January, 1988 6 58 25 4 0 7=100
May, 1987 10 64 16 4 * 6=100
January, 1987 7 52 23 8 0 10=100
June, 1985 9 58 21 5 * 7=100
d. The United Nations 19 57 14 5 * 5=100
June, 1999 19 51 16 7 0 7=100
Early September, 1998 14 55 16 7 * 8=100
September, 1997 11 53 19 9 * 8=100
February, 1996 19 46 20 9 1 5=100
June, 1995 14 53 20 8 * 5=100
February, 1995 13 49 18 8 * 12=100
July, 1994 21 55 14 5 1 4=100
May, 1993 21 52 13 4 0 10=100
May, 1990 15 55 13 6 1 10=100
e. The military 30 59 8 2 * 1=100
June, 1999 36 47 11 2 0 4=100
Early September, 1998 29 57 7 3 0 4=100
October, 1997 22 56 13 5 0 4=100
May, 1997 23 57 11 5 0 4=100
February, 1996 33 49 12 4 * 2=100
July, 1994 30 57 8 3 * 2=100
May, 1993 32 53 8 2 0 5=100
March, 1991 60 34 2 2 0 2=100
May, 1990 18 55 15 6 * 6=100
January, 1988 20 57 14 3 * 6=100
April, 1987 17 63 12 4 0 4=100
January, 1987 19 54 11 5 * 11=100
July, 1986 32 53 7 3 0 5=100
June, 1985 24 53 13 5 * 5=100
f. Insurance companies 8 41 35 14 * 2=100
Early September, 1998 5 36 35 19 * 5=100
July, 1994 6 34 38 20 * 2=100
ASK ITEM g THRU j FORM B ONLY:
g. Labor unions 12 47 27 9 * 5=100
Early September, 1998 12 40 25 13 * 10=100
June, 1997 15 43 25 10 * 7=100
May, 1997 15 34 26 13 * 12=100
April, 1996 10 37 28 17 * 8=100
February, 1996 17 37 27 14 * 5=100
July, 1994 14 43 28 10 * 5=100
January, 1988 10 42 29 10 * 9=100
July, 1985 9 37 30 17 * 7=100
h. Business corporations 8 65 19 3 0 5=100
Early September, 1998 9 55 21 5 * 10=100
October, 1997 11 55 23 5 * 6=100
June, 1997 8 60 18 7 * 7=100
May, 1997 9 50 21 7 1 12=100
June, 1996 10 52 25 6 * 7=100
February, 1996 9 50 24 10 1 6=100
October, 1995 6 54 29 7 0 4=100
July, 1994 8 62 19 5 * 6=100
November, 1991 8 57 22 6 0 7=100
January, 1988 6 53 27 5 * 9=100
June, 1985 8 50 24 7 1 10=100
i. Network television news 19 55 18 6 * 2=100
June, 1999 20 48 22 6 * 4=100
February, 1998 16 60 17 5 * 2=100
February, 1997 15 58 18 5 * 4=100
April, 1996 21 58 13 4 0 4=100
January, 1996 25 58 11 4 * 2=100
June, 1995 16 51 21 9 * 3=100
July, 1994 17 52 22 7 * 2=100
May, 1993 23 58 12 3 0 4=100
January, 1992 27 55 11 2 0 5=100
November, 1991 24 51 16 5 0 4=100
March, 1991 40 51 5 2 0 2=100
May, 1990 22 60 12 3 * 3=100
August, 1989 28 54 11 3 4=100
February, 1989 21 61 12 3 3=100
August, 1988 (RVs) 29 52 9 5 5=100
May, 1988 20 58 14 4 4=100
January 27, 1988 12 69 13 3 3=100
January 7-18, 1988 18 60 14 4 4=100
October, 1987 19 62 10 3 6=100
May, 1987 21 63 11 3 2=100
January, 1987 19 55 16 6 4=100
July, 1986 30 53 10 4 3=100
August, 1985 30 51 8 2 7=100
June, 1985 25 59 8 2 6=100
j. The daily newspaper you are
most familiar with 22 56 13 5 * 4=100
June, 1999 24 55 11 6 * 4=100
February, 1998 18 56 13 5 * 8=100
February, 1997 21 53 15 4 0 7=100
April, 1996 24 56 12 4 0 4=100
January, 1996 27 52 11 5 * 5=100
June, 1995 22 52 14 7 1 4=100
July, 1994 23 57 13 5 * 2=100
May, 1993 26 55 10 4 0 5=100
January, 1992 27 51 13 5 0 4=100
November, 1991 24 56 11 5 0 4=100
March, 1991 30 55 7 3 * 5=100
May, 1990 22 56 12 5 * 5=100
August, 1989 25 52 12 5 6=100
February, 1989 22 56 13 4 5=100
August, 1988 (RVs) 30 48 10 5 7=100
May, 1988 19 59 13 4 5=100
January 27, 1988 19 62 11 3 5=100
January 7-18, 1988 21 59 12 4 4=100
October, 1987 21 58 9 4 8=100
May, 1987 22 59 12 3 4=100
January, 1987 19 57 13 6 5=100
July, 1986 28 51 11 6 4=100
August, 1985 25 52 10 5 8=100
June, 1985 25 56 8 3 8=100
Q.21 I'd like your opinion of some programs and proposals being discussed in this
country today. Please tell me if you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly
oppose each one. The first one is... (READ AND ROTATE)
ASK FORM A ONLY: Strongly Strongly
Favor Favor Oppose Oppose DK
a. Restricting the sale of handguns 33 23 22 20 2=100
June, 1996 29 24 26 19 2=100
July, 1994 35 23 19 21 2=100
May, 1993 28 27 26 17 2=100
May, 1990 38 27 20 13 2=100
b. Using American military troops as
peacekeepers in Bosnia and Kosovo 15 39 25 18 3=100
c. Giving the president fast track authority
to negotiate international trade deals
that Congress can only approve or
disapprove, but not change 11 33 32 17 7=100
Early September, 1998 13 30 29 18 10=100
d. Reducing the capital gains tax 26 38 18 7 11=100
ASK FORM B ONLY:
e. Requiring that women under 18 years get
the consent of at least one parent before
they are allowed to have an abortion? 45 28 14 11 2=100
May, 1992 73 23 4=100
f. Federal funding for vouchers to help low
and middle income parents send their
children to private and parochial schools 23 34 25 15 3=100
Early September, 1998 24 30 26 15 5=100
g. Doing away with bilingual education
and requiring that all public school
students are taught in English only 27 22 29 20 2=100
Early September, 1998 32 22 22 21 3=100
h. Laws that would result in more juvenile
offenders aged 14 and over being
tried as adults 36 37 16 8 3=100
i. Restricting scientific research on
human cloning 19 20 24 33 4=100
Early September, 1998 27 18 21 29 5=100
On another subject...
Q.22(B) How much, if anything, have you heard about a proposal which would allow
Americans to put a portion of their Social Security taxes into a personal savings account
to be used for retirement — a lot, a little, or nothing at all?
Early Sept June
1998 1998
18 A lot 16 16
39 A little 39 44
42 Nothing at all 44 40
1 Don't know/Refused 1 *
100 100 100
IF 1 "A LOT" OR 2 "A LITTLE" ASK [N=1152]:
Q.23(B) Generally, do you favor or oppose this proposal?
Early Sept June
1998 1998
70 Favor 71 69
22 Oppose 20 20
8 Don't know/Refused 9 11
100 100 100
Q.24(A)Do you think that we should increase our defense spending, keep it about the same,
or cut it back?
June Sept Feb Oct Sept Oct-Nov Oct-Nov Oct-Nov Nov Dec
1999 1997 1995 1994* 1993 1990* 1986* 1982* 1978* 1974*
27 Increase 31 17 19 18 10 12 21 22 32 13
54 Keep same 47 57 56 53 52 53 55 52 45 47
16 Cut back 19 24 24 26 36 32 23 24 16 33
3 DK/Refused 3 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 7 8
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
* Gallup trend
On another subject...
Q.25(A)In the long run, do you think the accomplishments of the Clinton administration
will outweigh its failures, or will the failures outweigh the accomplishments?
Reagan Administration
Jan Early Sept May Newsweek
1999 1998 1987 Feb 1987
56 Accomplishments will outweigh failures 50 52 46 52
38 Failures will outweigh accomplishments 34 35 41 38
6 Don't know/Refused 16 13 13 10
100 100 100 100 100
On another subject...
Q.26(T) How would you rate your own personal financial situation? Would you say you
are in excellent shape, good shape, only fair shape, or poor shape?
U.S. News & World Report
May Sept Mar Dec Jan Oct Aug May Jan
1997 1996 1994 1993 1993 1992 1992 1992 1992
6 Excellent shape 7 8 5 5 4 6 5 4 4
43 Good shape 43 47 41 34 33 34 30 35 32
41 Only fair shape 38 34 40 45 46 40 47 45 45
9 OR poor shape 11 10 13 15 16 19 17 15 18
1 DK/Refused 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.27(T) Are you now employed full-time, part-time or not employed?
58 Full-time
11 Part-time
30 Not employed
1 Don't know/Refused
100
IF "1" OR "2" EMPLOYED FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME, ASK [N=1438]:
Q.28(A)Do you now earn enough money to lead the kind of life you want, or not?
Early U.S. News & World Report
Sept Nov May June Feb July Mar Oct Aug May Jan
1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 1994 1994 1992 1992 1992 1992
39 Yes 43 41 46 44 41 40 44 36 33 34 39
60 No 57 59 54 56 58 60 56 63 66 65 61
1 DK/Refused * * * * 1 * * 1 1 1 *
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
IF "2" DO NOT NOW EARN ENOUGH MONEY, ASK:
Q.29(A)Do you think you will be able to earn enough money in the future to lead the kind
of life you want, or not?
Early U.S. News & World Report
Sept Nov May June Feb July March Oct Aug May Jan
1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 1994 1994 1992 1992 1992 1992
38 Yes 36 33 34 34 35 34 33 35 36 34 34
19 No 20 24 18 20 20 24 20 36 25 28 22
3 DK/Refused 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 5 5 3 5
60% 57% 59% 54% 56% 58% 60% 56% 63% 66% 65% 61%
On another subject...
Q.30(A)This year, have Republicans and Democrats in Washington been working together more
to solve problems, OR have they been bickering and opposing one another more than usual?
Aug Nov Aug June Oct Aug
1998 1997 1997 1997 1995 1993
20 Working together more 27 38 43 34 21 20
68 Opposing each other more 51 45 46 49 72 57
4 Same as in past (VOL.) 8 7 3 6 3 13
8 Don't know/Refused 14 10 8 11 4 10
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.31(B) Next, I'd like to know how often you watch certain TV programs or read certain
publications. As I read each, tell me if you watch or read it regularly, sometimes,
hardly ever or never. (First,) how often do you...(READ AND ROTATE ITEMS) - regularly,
sometimes, hardly ever, or never?
Hardly DK/
Regularly Sometimes Ever Never Ref
a. Read a daily newspaper 52 28 13 7 *=100
February, 1997 56 24 9 11 *=100
May, 1993 66 19 7 8 *=100
February, 1992 71 19 5 4 1=100
b. Watch the national nightly network news on
CBS, ABC or NBC? This is different from local
news shows about the area where you live 40 33 16 11 *=100
April, 1998 38 29 15 18 *=100
February, 1997 41 31 14 14 *=100
April, 1996 42 29 15 14 *=100
March, 1995 48 28 14 10 *=100
May, 1993 60 28 5 6 1=100
February, 1993 58 23 10 9 *=100
c. Watch cable news networks
such as CNN and MSNBC 30 35 15 20 *=100
d. Watch news magazine shows such
as 60 Minutes, 20/20 or Dateline 35 40 16 9 *=100
April, 1998 37 41 12 10 *=100
April, 1996 36 38 15 11 *=100
July, 1994 43 43 8 6 *=100
February, 1994 45 36 11 8 0=100
May, 1993 52 37 6 5 *=100
Feb, 1993 49 32 11 8 *=100
June, 1992 46 40 8 6 *=100
July, 1990 46 38 8 8 *=100
June, 1990 50 36 6 8 *=100
May, 1990 45 37 8 10 *=100
April, 1990 47 37 7 9 *=100
March, 1990 41 42 7 10 *=100
February, 1990 39 41 10 10 0=100
January, 1990 43 40 8 9 *=100
Q.32(B) How often, if ever, do you listen to radio shows that invite listeners to call
in to discuss current events, public issues and politics...(READ)
Regularly Sometimes Rarely Never DK/Ref
August, 1999 18 23 24 35 *=100
Early September, 1998 23 25 23 29 *=100
April, 1998 13 22 24 41 *=100
October, 1997 18 28 25 29 *=100
August, 1997 17 24 28 31 *=100
Early September, 1996 15 25 22 37 1=100
July, 1996 16 24 27 33 *=100
June, 1996 17 25 26 31 1=100
April, 1996 13 23 25 39 *=100
March, 1996 18 28 24 30 *=100
October, 1995 18 33 25 24 *=100
June, 1995 15 19 27 39 *=100
April, 1995 19 30 24 27 *=100
November, 1994 16 31 26 26 1=100
July, 1994 17 29 24 30 *=100
December, 1993 23 22 25 30 0=100
April, 1993 23 32 23 22 *=100
Q.33(T) Do you use a computer at your workplace, at school, or at home on at least an occasional basis?
Yes No DK/Ref
August, 1999 67 33 *=100
July, 1999 68 32 *=100
June, 1999 64 35 1=100
May, 1999 66 33 1=100
April, 1999 71 29 *=100
March, 1999 68 32 *=100
February, 1999 68 32 *=100
January, 1999 69 31 *=100
Early Dec, 1998 64 36 *=100
Early Sept, 1998 64 36 *=100
Early August, 1998 66 34 *=100
April, 1998 61 39 *=100
January, 1998 65 35 *=100
November, 1997 66 34 *=100
June, 1997 60 40 0=100
Early Sept, 1996 56 44 *=100
July, 1996 56 44 *=100
April, 1996 58 42 *=100
March, 1996 61 39 *=100
February, 1996 60 40 0=100
January, 1996 59 41 0=100
IF YES (USE A COMPUTER) IN Q.33, ASK:
Q.34 Do you ever go online to access the Internet or World Wide Web or to send and receive email?
BASED ON TOTAL RESPONDENTS:
Early Early Early
July June May April March Feb Jan Dec Nov Sept Aug Nov July June
1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1998 1998 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995
52 Goes online 49 50 48 51 49 49 47 42 37 42 43 36 23 14
48 Does not go online 51 50 52 49 51 51 53 58 63 58 57 63 77 86
0 DK/Ref 0 * 0 * * * * 0 * * * 1 0 *
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
IF YES (GO ONLINE) , ASK [N=2264]:
Q.35(T) How frequently do you go online to get NEWS...would you say every day, 3 to 5
days per week, 1 or 2 days per week, once every few weeks, or less often?
July June Dec Nov April June
1999 1999 1998 1998 1998 1995
22 Everyday 21 22 25 10 18 6
15 3-5 days per week 15 18 17 11 17 9
19 1-2 days per week 22 22 22 16 20 15
15 Once every few weeks 14 14 10 13 15 13
20 Less often 19 18 18 20 21 28
9 No/Never (VOL.) 9 7 8 30 9 29
* Don't know/Refused 0 0 * * * *
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.36(A)Have you EVER called, sent a letter, faxed a letter, or sent an e-mail to your
Congressional representative or Senator to express your opinion on an issue?
Q.37(A)Have you done so IN JUST THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
April Oct July June May Mar Jan Dec Sep
1995 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1993 1993
34 Yes, have ever 45 42 48 44 36 45 40 41 41
20 Yes, in past 12 months 12 22 26 26 21 23 22 22 21
14 No, in past 12 months 33 20 22 18 15 22 18 18 19
* Don't Know * * * * * * * 1 1
66 No, have never 55 58 52 56 64 55 60 58 59
* Don't know/Refused * * * * * * * 1 *
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.38(T) Now I'm going to read you some more pairs of statements. As I read each
pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to
your own views — even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is... (READ AND ROTATE)
(AFTER CHOICE IS MADE, PROBE: Do you feel STRONGLY about that, or not?)
Oct Oct April Oct July
1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
q. This country should do whatever it takes
80 to protect the environment 77 77 74 77 78
67 Strongly 66 65 63 65 62
13 Not Strongly 11 12 11 12 16
This country has gone too far in its
15 efforts to protect the environment 18 20 22 19 19
10 Strongly 13 13 15 13 12
5 Not Strongly 5 7 7 6 7
5 Neither/Don't know 5 3 4 4 3
100 100 100 100 100 100
Oct Oct April Oct July
1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
r. Stricter environmental laws and
regulations cost too many jobs and
28 hurt the economy 30 35 39 32 33
19 Strongly 22 23 28 23 21
9 Not Strongly 8 12 11 9 12
Stricter environmental laws and
65 regulations are worth the cost 63 61 57 62 62
50 Strongly 51 47 44 49 45
15 Not Strongly 12 14 13 13 17
7 Neither/Don't know 7 4 4 6 5
100 100 100 100 100 100
July
1994
s. There are no real limits to growth
54 in this country today 51
38 Strongly 33
16 Not strongly 18
People in this country should learn
40 to live with less 45
30 Strongly 30
9 Not strongly 15
6 Neither/Don't know 4
100 100
July
1994
t. As Americans, we can always find
ways to solve our problems and
63 get what we want 52
47 Strongly 35
16 Not strongly 17
This country can't solve many
32 of its important problems 45
24 Strongly 30
8 Not strongly 15
5 Neither/Don't know 3
100 100
Oct June Oct April Oct April Oct July
1997 1997 1996 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
u. Homosexuality is a way of life
49 that should be accepted by society 46 45 44 44 45 47 46 46
33 Strongly -- 32 32 29 29 30 33 26
16 Not Strongly -- 13 12 15 16 17 13 20
Homosexuality is a way of life that
44 should be discouraged by society 48 50 49 49 50 48 48 49
37 Strongly -- 43 42 42 41 40 41 41
7 Not Strongly -- 7 7 7 9 8 7 8
7 Neither/Don't know 6 5 7 7 5 5 6 5
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
June Oct Oct April Oct July
1997 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
v. Books that contain dangerous
ideas should be banned from
52 public school libraries 46 44 46 45 42 46
43 Strongly 39 39 37 40 36 37
9 Not Strongly 7 5 9 5 6 9
Public school libraries should
be allowed to carry any books
45 they want 50 51 52 52 53 55
36 Strongly 40 43 41 44 47 39
9 Not Strongly 10 9 11 9 8 12
3 Neither/Don't know 4 4 2 2 3 3
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
w. Religion is a very important
75 part of my life
67 Strongly
8 Not Strongly
22 Religion is not that important to me
12 Strongly
10 Not Strongly
2 Neither/Don't Know
100
June Oct Oct April Oct July
1997 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
x. We will all be called before
83 God to answer our sins 82 80 81 83 81 80
77 Strongly 77 74 76 75 74 71
6 Not Strongly 5 7 7 6 6 9
I don't believe we will have
12 to answer for our sins before God 13 13 13 14 14 16
8 Strongly 9 9 9 9 10 9
4 Not Strongly 4 4 4 5 4 7
5 Neither/Don't know 5 6 4 5 6 4
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Oct April July
1996 1996 1994
y. I'm generally satisfied with
the way things are going for
64 me financially 57 57 56
48 Strongly 43 44 36
16 Not Strongly 14 13 20
I'm not very satisfied with
34 my financial situation 41 42 43
28 Strongly 36 37 33
6 Not Strongly 5 5 10
2 Neither/Don't know 2 1 1
100 100 100 100
July
1994
z. I often don't have enough
29 money to make ends meet 36
22 Strongly 27
7 Not strongly 9
Paying the bills is generally
68 not a problem for me 63
54 Strongly 43
14 Not strongly 20
3 Neither/Don't know 1
100 100
ON ANOTHER SUBJECT...
Q.39(T) Some people seem to follow what's going on in government and public
affairs most of the time, whether there's an election or not. Others aren't
that interested. Would you say you follow what's going on in government and
public affairs...(READ)
Most of Some of Only Now Hardly Don't know/
The Time the Time and Then at All Refused
August, 1999 40 35 17 8 *=100
November, 1998 46 27 14 13 *=100
Early September, 1998 45 34 15 6 *=100
June, 1998 36 34 21 9 *=100
November, 1997 41 36 16 7 *=100
November, 1996 (RVs) 52 32 12 4 *=100
October, 1996 (RVs) 43 37 13 6 1=100
June, 1996 41 34 17 8 *=100
October, 1995 46 35 14 5 *=100
April, 1995 43 35 16 6 *=100
November, 1994 49 30 13 7 1=100
October, 1994 45 35 14 6 *=100
July, 1994 46 33 15 6 *=100
May, 1990 39 34 18 9 *=100
February, 1989 47 34 14 4 1=100
October, 1988 52 33 11 4 *=100
September, 1988 58 32 8 2 *=100
May, 1988 37 37 17 6 3=100
January, 1988 37 35 18 8 2=100
November, 1987 49 32 14 4 1=100
May, 1987 41 35 15 7 2=100
July, 1985 36 33 18 12 1=100
Q.40(T) Some people say we should have a third major political party in this
country in addition to the Democrats and Republicans. Do you agree or disagree?
Early ABC/Washington Post
Sept Aug July Oct April July Jan Sept
1998 1997 1996 1995 1995 1994 1984 1982
54 Agree 46 47 58 59 57 53 41 44
40 Disagree 47 46 37 37 38 43 48 44
6 DK/Refused 7 7 5 4 5 4 11 12
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.41(A)Compared to recent Congresses, would you say THIS Congress has accomplished
more, accomplished less,or accomplished about the same amount?
Early Sept Early Aug Nov April
1998 1998 1997 1997
15 More 25 18 23 10
20 Less 15 15 12 22
60 Same 55 60 59 59
5 DK/Refused 5 7 6 9
100 100 100 100 100
Q.42(T) In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent?
Early
Nov June Feb Oct April Feb Dec Nov Oct July June May Feb May May
1997 1996 1996 1995 1995 1995 1994 1994 1994 1994 1992 1990 1989 1988 1987
25 Republican 25 30 30 30 30 33 35 28 33 29 28 28 31 28 25
33 Democrat 32 33 32 30 29 30 31 31 30 33 32 33 38 38 37
37 Independent 38 34 32 35 37 33 30 35 32 35 36 28 23 26 28
3 No preference(VOL.) 3 2 3 3 3 -- -- 4 -- 2 1 9 7 6 8
* Other party(VOL.) * * 1 * * 2 2 * 2 * * * * * *
2 Don't know 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 1 3 2 1 2 2
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.43(T) Do you consider yourself a STRONG Republican, or NOT a strong Republican?
Nov Oct April Oct July June May Feb May Jan May
1997 1995 1995 1994 1994 1992 1990 1989 1988 1988 1987
11 Strong 11 11 15 16 13 11 13 15 13 12 11
14 Not strong 14 19 15 15 16 17 15 16 15 15 14
25 25 30 30 31 29 28 28 31 28 27 25
Q.44(T) As I read each of the following statements, tell me if it comes
close to what you mean when you say you are a Republican.(INSERT ITEM; ROTATE ITEMS)
(IF NECESSARY: Does that come close to what you mean when you say you are a Republican?)
BASED ON REPUBLICANS [N=1068]: Yes, No, Don't Know/
comes close does not Refused
a. I usually think of myself as
a Republican but I don't agree
completely with what the party
stands for 81 18 1=100
May, 1990 75 21 4=100
July, 1987 78 18 4=100
b. I usually prefer Republican
candidates but sometimes I
support Democrats 78 21 1=100
May, 1990 74 24 2=100
July, 1987 77 21 2=100
c. I involve myself in what the
Republican Party is doing 44 55 1=100
July, 1987 32 64 4=100
d. With me it's more a matter of
not liking the Democrats than
anything else 20 79 1=100
May, 1990 17 77 6=100
July, 1987 18 78 4=100
Q.45(T) Do you consider yourself a STRONG Democrat, or NOT a strong Democrat?
Nov Oct April Oct July June May Feb May Jan May
1997 1995 1995 1994 1994 1992 1990 1989 1988 1988 1987
15 Strong 14 14 14 18 15 14 16 17 19 19 18
18 Not strong 18 16 15 14 18 18 17 21 19 20 19
33 32 30 29 32 33 32 33 38 38 39 37
Q.46(T) As I read each of the following statements, tell me if it comes close to
what you mean when you say you are a Democrat. (INSERT ITEM; ROTATE ITEMS)
(IF NECESSARY: Does that come close to what you mean when you say you are a Democrat?)
BASED ON DEMOCRATS [N=1233]: Yes, No, Don't Know/
comes close does not Refused
a. I usually think of myself as
a Democrat but I don't agree
completely with what the party
stands for 76 23 1=100
May, 1990 69 27 4=100
July, 1987 70 25 5=100
b. I usually prefer Democratic
candidates but sometimes I
support Republicans 73 27 *=100
May, 1990 63 34 3=100
July, 1987 66 32 2=100
c. I involve myself in what the
Democratic Party is doing 47 51 2=100
July, 1987 36 61 3=100
d. With me it's more a matter of not
liking the Republicans than
anything else 27 72 1=100
May, 1990 22 73 5=100
July, 1987 20 74 6=100
Q.47(T) As of TODAY, do you LEAN more to the Republican Party or the Democratic Party?
BASED ON INDEPENDENTS/OTHER [N=1672]:
34 Republican
36 Democrat
24 Neither (VOL.)
6 Don't know/Refused
100
Q.48(T) When you were growing up, did your parents usually vote for Republicans or
Democrats? (IF PARENTS VOTED DIFFERENTLY, ASK: How did the parent you felt closer
to usually vote?)
Nov July
1997 1994
26 Republicans 28 28
43 Democrats 43 47
8 Both/Split ticket (VOL.) 6 6
5 Didn't vote/Not eligible (VOL.) 5 4
2 Other response 1 2
16 Don't know/Refused 17 13
100 100 100
Q.49(A) Looking ahead to the next presidential election, would you like to see a
president who offers policies and programs similar to those of the Clinton
administration, OR would you like to see a president who offers different policies
and programs?
June Feb
1999 1999
43 Policies and programs similar to Clinton Administration 43 54
50 Different policies and programs 50 41
7 Don't know/Refused 7 5
100 100 100
Q.50(A) Now I am going to read you some statements. For each, please tell
me if you completely agree with it, mostly agree with it, mostly DISagree
with it, or completely DISagree with it. (The first one is...) (INSERT ITEM; ROTATE ITEMS)
Completely Mostly Mostly Completely
Agree Agree Disagree Disagree DK/Refused
a. I am tired of all the problems
associated with the Clinton
administration 34 36 20 7 3=100
March, 1999 46 28 15 8 3=100
b. I wish Bill Clinton could
run for a third term 12 19 25 42 2=100
March, 1999 16 13 19 50 2=100
ROTATE QUESTIONS 51 AND 52
Q.51(A) Looking back, do you think Bill Clinton made the right decision to
remain in office during the investigation into his relationship with Monica
Lewinsky, OR do you think Clinton should have resigned?
July 1999
63 Made right decision to remain in office 60
34 Clinton should have resigned 35
3 Don't know/Refused 5
100 100
Q.52(A) Looking back, do you think the House of Representatives made the right
decision to impeach Bill Clinton, OR do you think the House should not have impeached Clinton?
July 1999
41 Made right decision to impeach Clinton 44
55 Should not have impeached Clinton 51
4 Don't know/Refused 5
100 100
Next >>
Table of Contents
- Questionnaire Part 2