Interest in IRS, Benghazi News Divided by Party
So far, public interest in a trio of controversies connected to the Obama administration remains limited. Republicans are following the stories much more closely.
The Most Popular Areas of Government are Shedding the Most Workers
By Drew DeSilver Popularity is no protection against budget cuts: The parts of government that Americans like the most — state, cities and counties, and the U.S. Postal Service — are also the ones shedding workers the fastest. The most recent nonfarm payroll figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the public sector continues to be [...]
The most popular areas of government are shedding the most workers
Popularity is no protection against budget cuts: The parts of government that Americans like the most — state, cities and counties, and the U.S. Postal Service — are also the ones shedding workers the fastest. The most recent nonfarm payroll figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the public sector continues to be a drag on [...]
Divided Reactions to Last Week’s Senate Gun Vote
The key Senate vote that halted gun control legislation last week is drawing a mixed reaction from the American public: 47% express negative feelings about the vote while 39% have a positive reaction to the Senate’s rejection of gun control legislation that included background checks on gun purchases.
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.
Widening Gap in Views of Federal, State and Local Governments
Favorability ratings for different levels of government have diverged over the past decade as public views of the federal government have fallen to new lows.
Little Public Support for Cutting Most Programs
As the March 1 deadline for a possible budget sequester approaches, a new national survey finds limited public support for reducing spending for a range of specific programs, including defense, entitlements, education and health care.
Hagel Better Known, Viewed More Negatively
Unfavorable opinions of Chuck Hagel have increased over the past month as he has faced a bruising confirmation battle to become President Obama’s secretary of defense.
Most Approve of Ending Saturday Mail Delivery
A majority of Americans (54%) approve of the U.S. Postal Service’s recent decision to halt Saturday delivery of letters, while 32% disapprove of the decision.
Majority Views Government as Threat to Personal Rights
For the first time, a majority of the public says that the federal government threatens their personal rights and freedoms.
