Balancing Act: National Security and Civil Liberties in Post-9/11 Era
Since 9/11, Americans generally have valued protection from terrorism over civil liberties, yet they also have expressed concerns over government overreach and intrusions on their personal privacy.
Young adults: Less trusting in general, but with exceptions
Young adults are less trusting in general but more willing to trust at least some government officials and agencies. Overall, the United States is one of the more trusting societies in the world.
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.
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.
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.
Public Trust in Government: 1958-2013
Explore public attitudes towards the federal government over time and compare the data with other key national indicators, such as consumer sentiment, the unemployment rate and changes within the elected leadership.
Obama in Strong Position as He Begins Second Term
More Americans say Obama is trustworthy, a strong leader and someone who stands up for his beliefs; 52% approve of the job he is doing and 59% have a favorable opinion of him.
Public Less Negative About Economic News
Americans are hearing less negative news about the nation’s economy than they were just a month ago. Perceptions of news about the job situation have improved across partisan lines.
Partisan Polarization Surges in Bush, Obama Years
Americans values and basic beliefs are more polarized along partisan lines than at any point in the past 25 years. Party has now become the single largest fissure in American society, with the values gap between Republicans and Democrats greater than gender, age, race or class divides.
Growing Gap in Favorable Views of Federal, State Governments
The gap between favorable ratings of the federal government and state and local governments is wider than ever. Just a third of Americans have a favorable opinion of the federal government, the lowest positive rating in 15 years.
