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.
Obama Has Approval Advantage, But GOP Runs Even on Issues
Despite GOP leaders’ poor job ratings, the Republican Party runs about even with the Democrats on leading issues such as the economy, immigration and gun control.
Resilient American Values
Optimism in an Era of Growing Inequality and Economic Difficulty Despite an extended period of economic difficulty, Pew Research Center pollsters Andrew Kohut and Michael Dimock show that Americans’ core values and beliefs about economic opportunity, and the nation’s economic outlook, remain largely optimistic and unchanged. There is also little evidence that economic class is [...]
Mexicans see less progress on drug war; split on Peña Nieto
Among the topics likely to come up during President Obama’s trip to Mexico is the nature and extent of the two countries’ cooperation in fighting Mexico’s drug-smuggling cartels. Under former President Felipe Calderón, the United States greatly expanded its role in Mexico, primarily through an agreement called the Merida Initiative (which also includes Central American nations). The [...]
Mexicans See Less Progress on Drug War; Split on Peña Nieto
By Drew DeSilver Among the topics likely to come up during President Obama’s trip to Mexico is the nature and extent of the two countries’ cooperation in fighting Mexico’s drug-smuggling cartels. Under former President Felipe Calderón, the United States greatly expanded its role in Mexico, primarily through an agreement called the Merida Initiative (which also includes Central [...]
U.S. Image Rebounds in Mexico
Two-thirds of Mexicans have a favorable opinion of the U.S and about half express confidence in President Obama. Fewer Mexicans say they see a better life in the U.S., but 35% say they would migrate.
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.
Marijuana: Changing Attitudes
Highlights from the report, “Majority Now Supports Legalizing Marijuana.”
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.
Favorable Views of Supreme Court Remain Low
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on two same-sex marriage cases, the public’s views of the court have changed only modestly. They have remained low since the court’s ruling to uphold most of the Affordable Care Act.




