General Lifestyle

26% Think It's Too Easy To Become A U.S. Citizen

Americans strongly value being a citizen of the United States, but one-in-four thinks it's too easy these days for someone to become a citizen.

Ninety-eight percent (98%) of those contacted in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey identified themselves as citizens of the United States, and 93% said they consider it at least somewhat important to be an American citizen. The latter figure includes 79% who think it is Very Important.

Just four percent (4%) say it is not very or Not At All Important to be a U.S. citizen. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 29-30, 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 12% Think Most Americans Are Informed Voters

Most Americans consider themselves informed citizens but don’t express the same confidence in the greater U.S. population. Far fewer think their fellow citizens are informed voters.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 83% of American Adults consider themselves to be informed citizens. Just 12% admit they are not informed citizens. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 27-28, 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.

41% Look at U.S. Political News First, 30% Go Local

Americans still get most of their news from television and are most interested in what is going on nationally, with an emphasis on politics.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of American Adults say they get most of their news from TV, while 30% rely most heavily on the Internet. Just 10% count on radio for the majority of their news, and eight percent (8%) look to newspapers. One percent (1%) each get most of their news from social media or from family and friends. Two percent (2%) cite other sources. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 27-28, 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.

31% Have Had a Lost Wallet Returned to Them

Most Americans believe honesty is the best policy when they find a lost wallet or get extra change at the store but few have been on the receiving end of such honesty.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults say they have returned a lost wallet that they have found, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey.  Eighteen percent (18%) admit they have not done so, while 11% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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70% Think Americans Less Honest Than They Used To Be

Americans are a bit less trusting of each other these days.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe most of their fellow countrymen are basically honest, but that’s down from 58% in August of last year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% think most Americans are not basically honest, while 19% are not sure. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on September 25-26, 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.

“Breaking Bad”, “Big Bang Theory” Lead Emmy Pack, But Most Won't Follow

Interest in tonight’s Primetime Emmy Awards is low among most Americans, but they do give a slight edge to an acclaimed series that is nearing the end of its run. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% of Americans are at least somewhat likely to follow the Emmy awards either on television or online, with seven percent (7%) who are Very Likely to do so. Three-out-of-four adults (74%) say it’s not likely they’ll be following the awards show, with 40% who are Not At All Likely to follow. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 19-20, 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.

74% Underestimate Average Teacher Salary in U.S.

Just over half of Americans agree that teachers are paid too little, but three-out-of-four underestimate what the average teacher salary really is.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe public school teachers are paid too little, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 15% believe teachers are paid too much, while 26% say they are paid about the right amount. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error 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.

Only 24% Think Most Americans Consider Teaching A Desirable Profession

Most adults still feel being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the country, but even fewer consider it a desirable profession these days.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults say teaching is one of the most important jobs in the United States today. Just one-in-five (20%) disagree, but 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 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.

46% Say America Less Safe If Only Cops, Military Have Guns

Americans think the United States could use more police officers, although nearly half think the country would be less safe if the police were among the only ones carrying guns.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults believe there are not enough police officers in the United States.  Only seven percent (7%) think there are too many, while 36% feel the number of police is about right. Those who live in the suburbs feel a slightly stronger need for more police than city and rural residents. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 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.

65% See Overeating As Bigger Problem for Americans Than Not Enough Food

Most Americans are concerned about the level of hunger in the county today, but they also agree it might be better if a few more of their fellow citizens super-sized a little less often. 

Sixty-five percent (65%) of American Adults think a bigger problem in the country today is that Americans eat too much rather than they don’t eat enough. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone finds that just 15% think it’s a bigger problem that Americans don’t eat enough. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 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.

67% Think Too Many Americans Dependent On Government

Americans continue to believe too many of their fellow citizens are dependent on the federal government for financial help, although few say they personally rely on the government.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults think there are too many in this country who are dependent on the government for financial aid, up slightly from 64% in September of last year.  Eleven percent (11%) says not enough Americans are dependent on this aid. Another 11% feel the level of dependency is about right, down from 16% a year ago.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 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.

38% Say Crime Up Where They Live

Most Americans think crime remains a serious problem in the country today, but only one-in-five think the United States is not as safe as most other countries in the world.

Eighty-nine percent (89%) of American Adults say crime is a somewhat serious problem in this country, with 46% who think it’s a Very Serious one. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just nine percent (9%) believe crime is not very or Not At All Serious in America today. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 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.

30% Think Hunger A Very Serious Problem in America

Most Americans see hunger in the country as at least a somewhat serious problem, and nearly half think it is getting worse.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American Adults say hunger in the United States today is at least a somewhat serious problem, including 30% who see it as a Very Serious one. Just 28% don’t think hunger's a serious problem, with five percent (5%) who say it’s Not At All Serious.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 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. 

70% Say They Are in Good Health

Most Americans believe they are healthy, although just over one-in-three admits to being overweight.

Seventy percent (70%) of American Adults rate their own overall health as good or excellent, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This is generally unchanged from surveys for the past three years. Just seven percent (7%) say they are in poor health. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 30-31, 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.

76% Think Unvaccinated Children Will Cause Health Problems For Others

As children across the country head back to school, vaccinations are another requirement many parents have to address along with books and supplies. Most parents continue to report their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations, but half of Americans remain concerned about the safety of these preventative measures.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of all American Adults say they are at least somewhat concerned about the safety of vaccinations for children, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That includes 28% who are Very Concerned. Forty-four percent (44%) are not as concerned about childhood vaccines, including 17% 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 August 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.

68% Think School Children Should Say Pledge of Allegiance Every Morning

The Massachusetts Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow challenging the legality of the Pledge of Allegiance. But most Americans continue to believe the daily Pledge of Allegiance to the flag should be kept in schools and that it should include the words “under God.”

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American Adults believe students should be required to say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning at school. One-in-four (25%) do not think children should be required to say the daily pledge. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 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.

56% Say Their Family Displays Flag on Most National Holidays

Most Americans say their family regularly flies the U.S. flag on important holidays and don’t think anyone should be able to stop them unless it’s a public safety issue. Americans also strongly believe school children should be required to honor the flag every morning.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of American Adults say they or a member of their family regularly displays the American flag on most national holidays, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty percent (40%) say their family does not display the flag on these days. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 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.

40% Say Economy Forced Them To Cut Back Vacation Spending

Most Americans did not take a summer vacation this year, but fewer of those who did are citing the economy as a reason they cut back on spending. 

Thirty-six percent (36%) of American Adults say they took a summer vacation this year, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey.  Sixty-three percent (63%) did not.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 26-27, 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.

Most Adults Tend to Cook, Eat Dinner At Home

On a typical day, most Americans eat dinner at home rather than go out to eat. They also most often cook that dinner instead of grabbing a ready-made meal.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 89% of American Adults are more likely to eat dinner at home on a typical day, while just 10% are more likely to eat dinner out somewhere. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 16-17, 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.

Most Adults Say It’s Important To Them To Buy Organic, Locally-Grown Food

Most Americans choose a major chain supermarket when they go food shopping, but they still consider it at least somewhat important to find food that is locally grown and organic. They overwhelmingly agree, though, that organic food is more expensive.

The majority of American adults (55%) go food shopping once a week, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty-seven percent (27%) go two or three times a week, and seven percent (7%) go every day or nearly every day. Ten percent (10%) shop for food once a month or less. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 16-17, 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.