Sixty-four percent (64%) of American voters believe that American Society is generally fair and decent. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 22% disagree and consider our society generally unfair and discriminatory.

This underlying perception plays a key role in how an individual views politics and policy proposals. Those who see society as fair and decent tend to favor more modest adjustments to the status quo. The attitude seems to be that government policies might smooth out the rough edges of society, but there is no need for fundamental change. Those who view society as generally unfair and discriminatory tend to favor more sweeping changes and that government action is required for fairness.

State polls show that John McCain tends to lead both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama by double digit margins among voters who believe society is generally fair and decent. However, the two Democrats are overwhelmingly preferred by those who view society as unfair and discriminatory (see summary of recent state polls.)

Seventy percent (70%) of men and 59% of women view society as generally fair and decent. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of Republicans hold that positive view along with 67% of unaffiliated voters and 49% of Democrats. A plurality of African-American voters (47%) believe that society is generally unfair and discriminatory. Thirty-seven percent (37%) hold the opposite view.

Forty-two percent (42%) of voters now believe America’s best days have already come and gone while 40% say they are still in the future. Those figures are similar to results from February but more upbeat than results last month.

Seventy-eight percent (78%) believe that people who move to the United States should adopt the culture and customs of their new home. Only 11% say they should maintain their home country’s culture.

Most voters (61%) favor fewer government services and lower taxes, while 25% would rather have more government services with higher taxes.

When it comes to foreign relations, 42% of voters believe the United States’ allies should do what the U.S. wants more often. Twenty-nine percent (29%) take the opposite view and say the U.S. should follow the lead of our allies more often.

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