General Politics

Young Voters Are Far Bigger Fans of Gay Marriage Ruling

A closer look at public attitudes about the recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court suggest that it’s largely an age thing. Especially when it comes to gay marriage.

Voters Say WikiLeaks’ Disclosures Put U.S. Relationships At Risk

The hits just keep on coming. The rogue Internet site WikiLeaks last week released its latest batch of illegally obtained classified U.S. documents, this time showing that America has spied on the last three French presidents. The French government has formally protested, as did the Germans when our spying on Chancellor Angela Merkel was similarly disclosed in 2013.

Voters Say No to Government Role in Neighborhood Diversity

With the Department of Housing and Urban Development ready to release new regulations meant to diversify wealthy neighborhoods, American voters overwhelmingly say that it is not the government’s job to try to bring those of different income levels to live together.

Should South Carolina Take Down The Flag?

Most voters don’t think the Confederate flag should be flown at the South Carolina Capitol, but they differ when it comes to the flag’s meaning.

Most Black Voters Don’t Think Rachel Dolezal Should Have Resigned From NAACP

Most voters agree that racial identity should be based on birth, not preference, but black voters are less critical than others of Rachel Dolezal, a white woman who identifies as black who recently resigned from her post at the NAACP.

Voters Don't Want Big Government, But They Think It's Back

Nearly 20 years ago, Bill Clinton declared the era of big government over. Two decades later, voters wish that were true.

Which is Worse: Government With Too Much Power or Not Enough?

Voters see an overly powerful government as a bigger danger in the world than an under-powered one.

Should the U.S. Constitution Still Be the Nation’s Legal Bedrock?

Voters may question just how faithful President Obama has been to the U.S. Constitution, but they continue to stand firm in their own belief about the document that has been the supreme law of the United States for 227 years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

More Voters Say Obama Is Less Faithful to Constitution

On issues from immigration policy to Obamacare, Obama’s executive actions have sparked criticism that the president acted outside the Constitution by circumventing Congress. But are Obama’s actions any different than those of his predecessors?

Who Needs the Courts Anyway?

The Constitution can be such a hassle when you’re trying to do the right thing, President Obama complains. The president who bypassed Congress to reshape his health care law and to change the nation’s immigration policy is now upset that the courts may find those unilateral actions unconstitutional.

Time to Push Both Republicans and Democrats Aside?

A sizable number of voters think it’s time for a major new political party because Republicans and Democrats aren’t getting the job done.

Support Remains Strong for Showing Photo ID Before Voting

Some attitudes don’t change: Voters continue to overwhelmingly believe that Americans need to prove their identity before casting a vote.

NSA - Friend or Foe?

Americans have a love/hate relationship with the National Security Agency, but the love side of the equation’s been growing as they worry more about the threat of Islamic terrorism.

Americans Still Have Very Little Faith in Their Fellow Voters

An overwhelming majority of U.S. voters think voters in democratic countries have a responsibility to stay informed, but most say that’s not the reality in America.

Most Democrats Think Illegal Immigrants Should Vote

Are voters ready to let illegal immigrants vote? A sizable number, including most Democrats, are.

Voters Want More Say In Choosing Their Leaders

While U.S. voters believe they have it better than citizens of other countries, they still don’t think they have enough influence over who gets elected in government.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of Likely U.S. Voters think voters in this country do not have enough say when it comes to choosing their leaders, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just five percent (5%) believe they have too much say, while 27% feel the level of choice is about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Your Rights vs. Your Safety – You Decide

The debate over the Patriot Act and the National Security Agency’s snooping on millions of Americans is all about the balance between national security and individual rights. Similarly, increasing complaints about urban policing have us discussing the conflict between those rights and public safety.

For Voters, Taxes Aren't Ticket to Fixing State Budgets

The state budget picture still hasn't improved for most voters, even though they're much more likely to be paying higher rather than lower taxes these days.

Most Voters In Democrat-Run States Think Government Too Big

Voters in states run mostly by Democrats are more likely than those in GOP-run states to feel their state government is too big, but all give similar performance reviews to those governments.

Voters Remain Cool to Boots on the Ground in Iraq

Voters are more convinced that the radical Islamic State group (ISIS) is winning the war in Iraq but are less enthusiastic than ever about sending U.S. troops back into action to do something about it.