The Public, the Political System and American Democracy
At a time of growing stress on democracy around the world, Americans generally agree on democratic ideals and values that are important for the United States.
Positive Views of Economy Surge, Driven by Major Shifts Among Republicans
Americans’ views of national economic conditions continue to improve, with the share saying the economy is in good or excellent condition now at its highest point in nearly two decades. The overall rise in positive assessments seen over the last year is driven by the shifting views of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Nearly three-quarters of […]
Wide Gender Gap, Growing Educational Divide in Voters’ Party Identification
Survey Report As the 2018 midterm elections approach, women and especially college graduates have moved toward the Democratic Party. By contrast, the Republican Party’s advantage in leaned party identification among white voters without a college degree has never been greater, dating back more than two decades. While partisanship among voters usually does not change much […]
Public Confidence in Mueller’s Investigation Remains Steady
Survey Report The public continues to express at least some confidence that Robert Mueller will conduct a fair investigation into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election. A majority of Americans (61%) say they are very or somewhat confident Mueller will conduct a fair investigation; these views have changed only modestly since December. While opinions about […]
The Generation Gap in American Politics
Generational differences have long been a factor in U.S. politics. These divisions are now as wide as they have been in decades, with the potential to shape politics well into the future.
Majorities Express Favorable Opinions of Several Federal Agencies, Including the FBI
Survey Report The public continues to express favorable opinions of a number of federal agencies and departments. And while positive opinions of the FBI among Republicans have slipped since early last year, two-thirds of Americans – including a majority of Republicans – view the bureau favorably. The public rates the 10 agencies and departments included […]
Majorities Say Government Does Too Little for Older People, the Poor and the Middle Class
Majorities of Americans say the federal government does not provide enough help for older people (65%), poor people (62%) and the middle class (61%). By contrast, nearly two-thirds (64%) say the government provides too much help for wealthy people.
Economic Issues Decline Among Public’s Policy Priorities
Economic issues are viewed as less important policy priorities than they were just a few years ago.
Public Has Mixed Expectations for New Tax Law
Survey Report A month after Donald Trump and Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the public has mixed views of the sweeping tax overhaul and its long-term impact. Just as support in Congress for the legislation was divided along party lines, there are wide partisan gaps among the public in expectations for the […]
Republicans and Democrats Grow Even Further Apart in Views of Israel, Palestinians
The partisan divide in Middle East sympathies, for Israel or the Palestinians, is now wider than at any point since 1978.
Public Sees Better Year Ahead; Democrats Sharpen Focus on Midterm Elections
A majority of Americans say 2018 will be a better year than 2017, a shift from a year ago when public expectations were far less positive.
Most Americans Say Trump’s Election Has Led to Worse Race Relations in the U.S.
Survey Report Nearly a year into Donald Trump’s presidency, a majority of Americans (60%) say his election has led to worse race relations in the United States. Just 8% say Trump’s election has led to better race relations, while 30% say it has not made a difference. Shortly after Trump’s victory last year, voters had […]
Sharing the News in a Polarized Congress
Political divides in the American news landscape do not end with Americans’ preferences for different news sources; rather, they extend to how members of the U.S. Congress communicate with constituents in the digital age.
Government Gets Lower Ratings for Handling Health Care, Environment, Disaster Response
Since 2015, opinions about the federal government’s handling of several major issues have become less positive and much more partisan.
Stark Partisan Divisions Over Russia Probe, Including Its Importance to the Nation
A majority of Americans say they think senior members of Donald Trump’s administration definitely or probably had improper contacts with Russia during last year’s presidential campaign.
Partisans Have Starkly Different Opinions About How the World Views the U.S.
Today, 68% say the U.S. is less respected by other countries than it was in the past.
Views of Job Situation Improve Sharply, but Many Still Say They’re Falling Behind Financially
Currently, 50% of Americans say there are plenty of jobs available in their communities – the highest number saying that jobs are plentiful in Pew Research Center surveys dating to 2001.
Increasing Public Concern Over North Korea’s Nuclear Capability, Intentions
As Donald Trump sets off on his visit to Asia, the public has become increasingly concerned over North Korea’s capability and its willingness to use nuclear weapons against the United States.
Declining Confidence in Trump, Lower Job Ratings for Congressional Leaders
Survey Report Growing numbers of Americans express little or no confidence in Donald Trump to handle an international crisis, manage the executive branch effectively and work effectively with Congress. And today, just 34% approve of Trump’s overall job performance, while 59% disapprove. However, Trump’s job approval rating is higher than those of Republican and Democratic […]
Political Typology Reveals Deep Fissures on the Right and Left
Nearly a year after Donald Trump was elected president, the Republican coalition is deeply divided on such major issues as immigration, America’s role in the world and the fundamental fairness of the U.S. economic system. The Democratic coalition is largely united in staunch opposition to President Trump. Yet, while Trump’s election has triggered a wave […]
