General Lifestyle

34% Rate U.S. Race Relations Good or Excellent

Americans don’t share an overly optimistic view about race relations in this country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 34% of American Adults rate race relations in the United States today as good or excellent. Nineteen percent (19%) consider race relations poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on January 18-19, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

72% Say Their Light Bulbs Are None of the Feds’ Business

Americans strongly believe that it shouldn’t be up to the government what kind of light bulbs they use. That helps explain why 60% still oppose the ban on traditional bulbs that took effect on January 1.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 18% of American Adults believe it is the government’s job to tell people in this country what kind of light bulb to use. Seventy-two percent (72%) disagree and feel it is not the government’s job to make that call. Ten percent (10%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 2-3, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

60% Still Oppose Government's Light Bulb Ban

Only one-in-four Americans support the ban on conventional 40- and 60-watt light bulbs in the United States that went into effect January 1, and the same number say they or someone they know stocked up on the old bulbs beforehand.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of American Adults still oppose the ban on traditional light bulbs ordered by the federal government in the name of improved energy efficiency. That's down only slightly from 67% in July 2011 when the government first announced the new regulations. Twenty-five percent (25%) now support the light bulb ban, up from 20% two-and-a-half years ago. Fifteen percent (15%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 2-3, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

25% Used Postal Service Less This Holiday Season

One-in-four Americans used the U.S. Postal Service less this holiday season compared to past years, although the vast majority still rely on the post office to handle their holiday gifts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of American Adults used the USPS about the same amount this holiday season as they did in previous years. Just 14% used the Postal Service more, while 25% used it less than they have in previous years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 28-29, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

53% View Marriage As A Religious Institution

Most voters now see marriage as a religious institution rather than a civil one and still overwhelmingly believe in the importance of marriage before having children.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters now view marriage as a religious institution, up from 48% in October.  Forty percent (40%) consider marriage a civil institution, a five-point drop from 45% in the previous survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 22, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

33% Worry About Toy Safety This Holiday Season

Concern about the safety of toys has dropped dramatically this year, and belief that it’s the government’s job to regulate the safety of toys is down as well.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 33% are now at least somewhat concerned about the safety of most toys being sold this holiday season, including 11% who are Very Concerned. Fifty-nine percent (59%) don’t share this concern, with 21% who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 17-18, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

65% Say No to Cell Phone Chatting on Airplanes

The Federal Communications Commission is considering lifting the ban on in-flight cell phone use, but Americans are not on board.

One-in-five U.S. Adults (21%) thinks people should be allowed to talk on a cell phone while traveling in an airplane, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But 65% don’t think people should be allowed to chat on their cell phones during flight. Another 14% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Work Some or Most Major Holidays

An overwhelming majority of workers say they have time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but a sizable number say they have to work at least some major holidays. 

Eighty-four percent (84%) of Employed Americans say their company gives them time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 623 Employed Adults was conducted on December 11-12, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

31% Have Finished Their Holiday Shopping

With just over a week left until Christmas, two-thirds of Americans have begun shopping, and nearly one-in-three are already finished.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults have started their holiday gift shopping, up from 48% at the beginning of the month and 37% a month ago. Thirty percent (30%) still have not started. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 31% Work A 40-Hour Week

Nearly-three-out-of-four working Americans now put in a minimum of 40 hours a week on the job, but most still think they have a good work-life balance.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 31% of Employed Americans work 40 hours a week. Forty percent (40%) now work more than 40 hours weekly, including nine percent (9%) who work more than 50 hours a week. This compares to 33% who worked more than 40 hours a week in May. 

Twenty-eight percent (28%) now work fewer than 40 hours a week, with 10% who work fewer than 20 hours weekly. That overall number is down six points from 34% in the previous survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 623 Employed Adults was conducted on December 11-12, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

32% Will Give to Charity in a Friend’s Name As A Gift This Year

More Americans are opting for donations in a friend’s name in lieu of traditional gifts this holiday season. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 76% of American Adults are at least somewhat likely to make a charitable donation of some kind this year, including 57% who are Very Likely. This is the highest level of charitable giving measured in surveys since 2009. Just 20% are unlikely to make a donation of some kind, with seven percent (7%) who are Not At All Likely to donate to charity this year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

48% Have Started Holiday Gift Shopping, 14% Are Finished

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, and a few more Americans have started - and finished - their holiday shopping.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults now have started their shopping for the holidays, up from 37% two weeks ago.  Forty-nine percent (49%) still have not begun yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on December 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Are Responsible for the Care of a Parent

While grown children are staying at home longer, many adults, on the other end of the spectrum, have a parent living with them.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of American Adults say they or someone they know are responsible for the care of at least one parent. Nearly as many (37%) have at least one parent living with them or know someone who does. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 20-21, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

45% Are Not Exchanging Holiday Gifts This Year

Half of adults intend to spend less on gifts this holiday season,  and many are doing so by making plans not to exchange gifts at all.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults have made arrangements with friends or family to not exchange gifts this year. Just as many (46%) have made no such arrangements. Nine percent (9%) more are not sure yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

64% Believe U.S. Children Less Physically Fit Than Kids in Other Countries

An overwhelming majority of adults nationwide believe today’s children are not getting enough exercise, especially in America, and think it's up to their parents to do something about it.

Just 15% of American Adults believe that children today get enough exercise, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Seventy-five percent (75%) disagree (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on November 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

44% Are Less Likely to Shop at Stores Open on Thanksgiving

A lot more stores are opening on Thanksgiving Day in hopes of getting a bigger share of the Black Friday sales crowd, but a large number of Americans appear turned off by the idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just eight percent (8%) of American Adults say they are more likely to shop at a store that opens on Thanksgiving Day to get a jump on Black Friday deals. Forty-four percent (44%) say they are less likely to shop at a store that opens on the holiday. Another 44% says it will have no impact on their shopping plans. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

9% Have Already Finished Their Holiday Shopping

Black Friday is more than a week away, but a sizable number of Americans have already started their holiday gift shopping. A growing number are doing so through online vendors.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 37% of American Adults have started their holiday shopping. That’s up from 32% last year at this time but is more in line with prior years. Sixty-one percent (61%) have not yet begun to shop. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% See More Grown Children Living With Parents As Bad for Economy

Fewer Americans know families who have grown children living at home these days, but most still view this practice as a negative for the economy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 77% of American Adults believe it is more common now for grown children to live with their parents than it was 20 years ago. That’s down from 86% in November 2011. Just nine percent (9%) don’t think this practice is more common, while 14% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 16-17, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

46% Oppose Electronic Cigarette Smoking in Public Areas

While a sizable number of Americans consider electronic cigarettes to be safer than traditional cigarettes, a plurality doesn’t want people smoking them in public areas.

Thirty-one percent (31%) of American Adults believe smoking electronic cigarettes is more safe than smoking traditional cigarettes. But a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% believe the health risk is about the same between the two, and another 32% are not sure which is safer. Just eight percent (8%) believe smoking e-cigarettes is less safe than smoking ordinary cigarettes. (To see question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% of Americans Prefer to Drink Wine, 34% Beer

When Americans drink alcohol, they prefer wine over any other type of spirit.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of American Adults say wine is their alcohol of choice. Thirty-four percent (34%) reach for a beer first. Just 20% prefer hard liquor, while two percent (2%) opt for something else. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The national telephone survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on November 10-11, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.