U.S. PoliticsMay. 23, 2013

New Background Check Bill Favored, Prospects in Doubt

Nearly three-quarters of Americans say that if the Senate background checks bill is reintroduced, Congress should pass it. But even gun control advocates are pessimistic about the bill’s chances.

U.S. PoliticsMay. 9, 2013

Most Say Immigration Policy Needs Overhaul

While 73% say there should be a way for illegal immigrants already in the U.S. who meet certain requirements to stay, fewer than half (44%) favor allowing those here illegally to apply for U.S. citizenship and 25% think permanent legal status is more appropriate.

U.S. PoliticsMay. 1, 2013

Public Undecided On New Immigration Bill

Much of the public has yet to form an opinion about the immigration bill and most Americans do not think the bill would have a major impact on the nation’s economy or security. Overall, the debate over immigration policy has drawn little public attention.

U.S. PoliticsApr. 29, 2013

Political Blame for Flight Delays Spread Evenly

As Washington sprang into action late last week to end the furlough of federal air-traffic controllers and delays at airports across the country, the public blamed both sides for the situation.

U.S. PoliticsApr. 18, 2013

Views of Government: Key Data Points

Public confidence of government has fallen in recent years, and many Americans favor a smaller government providing fewer services, according to Pew Research Center surveys.

U.S. PoliticsApr. 4, 2013

Public Opinion and Marijuana: Shifting Attitudes, Events and Laws

For the first time, more Americans now favor legalizing marijuana than those who oppose it, according to a new Pew Research report. Pew Research explores events that have taken place over the last 40 years and the states’ legal actions on marijuana use.

U.S. PoliticsApr. 4, 2013

Majority Now Supports Legalizing Marijuana

For the first time in more than four decades of polling on the issue, a majority of Americans favors legalizing the use of marijuana.

U.S. PoliticsApr. 2, 2013

Broad Support for Keystone XL Pipeline

Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor building the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas.

U.S. PoliticsMar. 12, 2013

Gun Rights vs. Gun Control

The Pew Research Center has tracked shifting public opinion on gun rights and gun control over the past 20 years. Explore our polling data to discover how demographics influence public opinion on guns.

U.S. PoliticsMar. 12, 2013

Why Own a Gun? Protection Is Now Top Reason

Far more gun owners today than in 1999 cite protection – rather than hunting or other activities – as the main reason they own guns. Among the majority of Americans who do not have guns, safety is a major concern.