General Lifestyle

61% Say Colleges Should Ban Hazing

Most Americans think colleges should ban fraternity and sorority hazing rituals but don’t believe in banning these organizations all together.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of American Adults say college fraternities and sororities should be prohibited from hazing potential new members as part of their initiation.  Twenty-five percent (25%) disagree, while 14% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 8-9, 2012 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% Say There Are Too Many Lawyers in the U.S.

Most Americans say there are too many lawyers in the United States and that's it a bad thing most members of Congress are lawyers.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 60% of American Adults say there are too may lawyers in America. Just 13% say there are not enough lawyers, but 14% say there are just the right amount. Another 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 30-October 1, 2012 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.

75% Say Frivolous Lawsuits Are Driving Up Health Care, Insurance Costs

Most Americans think it’s too easy to file a lawsuit nowadays, and even more believe dubious lawsuits are driving up the price of health care, insurance and other products and services.

56% Say Schools Should Teach Both Sex Ed and Abstinence

When it comes to sex education in schools, the majority agrees that teaching both sex education and abstinence-only education is the best route for students.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% of American Adults think schools should only teach sex education, while 24% believe they should teach only abstinence education.  Fifty-six percent (56%) think schools should teach both. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 28-29, 2012 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.

58% Oppose Schools Giving Morning-After Pills to Students

More than 50 New York City public high schools are now giving out morning-after anti-pregnancy pills to students as young as 14, and most Americans disagree with that decision.

Just 29% of American Adults agree with the public schools' decision to dispense morning-after pills, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-eight percent (58%) disagree, with another 13% who are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 28-29, 2012 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 Internet Best Way to Get News, 37% Say TV

More Americans turn to the world wide web to get their news nowadays, but nearly as many still think television news is the most reliable news source available.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of American Adults think the Internet is the best way to get news and information in today’s world. Thirty-seven percent (37%) say television is best. Just nine percent (9%) believe the radio is the best way to get news and information, and even fewer (7%) still go with print newspapers. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on September 12-13, 2012 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 Another 9/11 As Possible in Next 10 Years

Eleven years ago today, thousands of Americans were murdered by radical Islamic terrorists, but despite the subsequent security precautions and the killing of Osama bin Laden, most adults in this country still think another 9/11-style attack is at least somewhat likely in the next 10 years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of Americans believe another 9/11 might take place in this country in the next 10 years. Only 27% view a repeat of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as unlikely. This includes 29% who see another 9/11 as Very Likely and just two percent (2%) who consider it not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 6-7, 2012 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.

On 11th Anniversary of 9/11, 64% More Afraid of Domestic Attack than Outside Terrorists

While the War on Terror continues, most Americans believe the bigger terrorist threat to the United States comes from within. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of American Adults think a bigger threat now to the United States is a domestic attack. Just 18% believe an attack from terrorists outside the United States is a bigger threat, but another 17% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 7-8, 2012 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 24% Say Colleges Do Enough to Stop Underage Drinking On Campus

Classes at many colleges are already in session which means full dormitories and another year of on-campus drinking reports.  Most Americans feel colleges should be held responsible for underage drinking on campus and feel not enough preventative action is being taken.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of American Adults say colleges or universities should be held responsible for underage drinking on campus, up slightly from April 2011 Thirty-five percent (35%) disagree, while 11% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on September 4-5, 2012 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 Say Childhood Obesity is a Serious Issue But Don't Want Gov't Involvement

American Adults continue to recognize the childhood obesity epidemic as a serious problem, but they don’t believe it’s the government’s job to control it. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 82% of adults say childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States today, including 43% who say it is Very Serious. Just 13% do not see childhood obesity as a serious issue. That's consistent with findings in November 2010 when Rasmussen Reports first asked this question. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on September 4-5, 2012 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.

11 Rasmussen Challenge Participants Got It Right This Week

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of American Adults went to concerts or theater events this summer, and 11 Rasmussen Challenge participants correctly predicted that answer this week. They're among 3,500 Rasmussen Reports readers who've participated in the Challenge so far.

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The summer of 2012 is almost over, but it's not forgotten.

In fact, 48% of American Adults give this summer positive marks, including four percent (4%) who believe it was the best summer ever. Thirty percent (30%) say it was a good summer, and 14% more think it was excellent. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 20% rate this summer as poor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The two surveys of 1,000 Adults each were conducted on August 29-30 and August 31-September 1, 2012, 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.

39% Took A Summer Vacation This Year

Slightly more Americans took a summer vacation this year, and fewer cited economic conditions as a reason to spend less on that vacation.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey find that 39% of American Adults took a summer vacation this year.  That's up slightly from 33% last year and is more in line with the number who vacationed in 2010 and 2009.  Sixty percent (60%) did not go on summer vacation this year.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 29-30, 2012 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. 

88% View Neil Armstrong Favorably; 5% Think Moon Landing A Fake

An overwhelming number of Americans nationwide have a favorable opinion of astronaut Neil Armstrong who passed away last weekend. Despite his famously guarded demeanor, most Americans correctly identify him as the first person to walk on the moon. Only a small percentage of Americans think the whole thing was staged.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 88% view Armstrong favorably, including 68% with a Very Favorable opinion of him. Just two percent (2%) regard him unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 27-28, 2012 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% Say U.S. Should Resume Manned Missions to Moon

Following the passing of Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, Americans don’t show strong support for putting astronauts back on the moon anytime soon.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 41% believe the United States should resume manned space missions to the moon during the next decade. Nearly as many (37%) disagree and don’t think the country should resume those missions. Twenty-two percent (22%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 27-28, 2012 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% Think This Summer Has Been Hotter Than Recent Summers

With drought plaguing the Midwest, it may not be much of a surprise that over half of Americans are reporting that this summer has been hotter than recent summers.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of American Adults think this summer has been hotter, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Eighteen percent (18%) say it has not been as hot as previous summers, while 28% believe the temperature's been about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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76% Say Drought Is Driving Up Food Prices

Tropical Storm Isaac could bring some rain to the states in the Mississippi Valley this week, but it is unlikely to break the drought that has had a stranglehold on the Midwest for months. Americans are highly concerned about the drought's impact on the economy, especially on food prices.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 84% of American Adults are at least somewhat concerned about the potential impact of the drought on the U.S. economy, including 48% who are Very Concerned. Just 15% are not very or Not At All Concerned about the drought’s impact on the economy. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 23-24, 2012 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.

73% Concerned About Spread of West Nile Virus

This year has seen the highest number of reported West Nile virus cases in the United States since the virus was first detected in 1999, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control. Most Americans are concerned about the spread of the virus, and a majority says they’d get vaccinated if it were possible. But Americans are not as enthusiastic about the government requiring vaccinations during a health emergency.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Adults shows that 73% are at least somewhat concerned about the spread of the West Nile virus, with 27% who are Very Concerned. Twenty-seven percent (27%) don’t share this concern, but that includes just seven percent (7%) who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 25-26, 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.

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69% Say They Have Returned A Lost Wallet

Fewer Americans say they have returned a lost wallet they found, but more have been on the receiving end of such honesty.  Most adults still say that if they get extra change from someone, they give it back. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that that 69% of American Adults say they have returned a lost wallet, although that is down from 75% measured in August 2010. Fifteen percent (15%) say they have not returned a lost wallet, while 16% more are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 17-18, 2012 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.

66% Say Americans Less Honest Than They Used to Be

Most Americans still think their fellow citizens are honest, but even more agree that Americans aren’t as honest as they used to be.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults believe most Americans are basically honest. That’s up slightly from 52% in August 2010, the first time we asked the question. But 25% don’t think most Americans are honest, and 17% more 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 August 17-18, 2012 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.

52% Plan To Spend More On School Shopping Than Last Year

Despite concerns about the economy and inflation, most Americans with school age children plan to spend more money getting them ready for school than they did a year ago. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Americans who have children of elementary and secondary school age plan on spending more this year on school clothing and back-to-school supplies than they did a year ago. That compares to 40% at this time last year.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) think they will spend less this year, while 18% plan to spend about the same amount as they did a year ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 15-16, 2012 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.