Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201427%37%30%6%21,955
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

Political ideology among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by religious group

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Buddhist14%36%45%4%212
Catholic32%38%25%5%4,619
Evangelical Protestant40%34%18%7%3,811
Hindu13%38%46%4%158
Historically Black Protestant33%34%26%6%1,290
Jewish17%33%48%2%633
Mainline Protestant29%42%23%6%3,901
Mormon46%32%18%3%267
Muslim19%40%36%5%178
Orthodox Christian29%50%19%2%113
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")16%36%42%7%5,875
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are ages…

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative21%32%26%20%5,776
Moderate27%34%24%16%7,993
Liberal29%35%23%13%6,667
Don't know30%34%21%15%1,114
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative14%12%27%31%14%2%5,776
Moderate18%16%28%28%10%1%7,993
Liberal18%19%27%27%8%1%6,667
Don't know17%21%26%26%10%1%1,114
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative49%51%5,868
Moderate48%52%8,124
Liberal44%56%6,761
Don't know44%56%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative64%13%3%16%3%5,802
Moderate65%12%5%15%4%8,037
Liberal62%12%5%17%4%6,686
Don't know57%16%4%17%6%1,164
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative15%9%76%5,807
Moderate14%11%74%8,037
Liberal18%13%69%6,673
Don't know20%8%72%1,121
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who have a household income of…

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative38%21%25%15%5,076
Moderate34%21%26%19%7,196
Liberal35%19%24%21%6,129
Don't know55%19%17%9%812
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who have completed…

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative51%31%13%6%5,854
Moderate39%32%18%11%8,103
Liberal34%29%20%16%6,735
Don't know59%30%7%5%1,151
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative48%7%14%8%24%5,847
Moderate44%8%12%7%29%8,096
Liberal40%10%14%5%31%6,732
Don't know36%7%16%8%33%1,177
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative29%71%5,851
Moderate28%72%8,094
Liberal27%73%6,748
Don't know29%71%1,188
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say they…

Political ideologyBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Conservative71%18%4%1%5%1%5,868
Moderate56%24%7%1%10%3%8,124
Liberal42%24%9%1%21%3%6,761
Don't know59%19%5%2%10%4%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say religion is…

Political ideologyVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Conservative62%24%8%6%1%5,868
Moderate43%31%14%11%1%8,124
Liberal33%27%17%23%1%6,761
Don't know48%24%11%15%2%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who attend religious services…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative40%35%25%1%5,868
Moderate27%39%33%< 1%8,124
Liberal20%33%47%< 1%6,761
Don't know27%31%39%3%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who pray…

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative61%17%5%16%1%5,868
Moderate47%18%7%28%1%8,124
Liberal38%15%7%39%1%6,761
Don't know49%14%7%27%3%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who attend prayer group…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative28%10%9%52%1%5,868
Moderate16%8%9%66%< 1%8,124
Liberal13%7%6%73%< 1%6,761
Don't know21%7%7%64%2%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who meditate…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative41%8%3%46%1%5,868
Moderate35%9%5%49%1%8,124
Liberal37%10%5%46%1%6,761
Don't know36%7%3%49%4%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative61%15%9%14%1%5,868
Moderate52%17%12%18%1%8,124
Liberal50%17%11%21%1%6,761
Don't know49%14%7%25%6%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative42%16%12%28%1%5,868
Moderate42%17%15%24%1%8,124
Liberal50%16%13%20%1%6,761
Don't know41%10%10%35%5%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative37%8%46%8%2%5,868
Moderate21%12%54%10%2%8,124
Liberal16%18%49%15%2%6,761
Don't know29%6%52%6%5%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who read scripture…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative38%12%9%40%1%5,868
Moderate25%11%10%53%1%8,124
Liberal20%8%8%63%< 1%6,761
Don't know30%8%7%53%3%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say the holy scripture is…

Political ideologyWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative38%30%3%22%6%5,868
Moderate21%30%2%40%8%8,124
Liberal17%18%1%58%6%6,761
Don't know32%18%5%30%15%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in heaven

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative82%12%6%5,868
Moderate70%23%7%8,124
Liberal53%40%7%6,761
Don't know69%19%12%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in hell

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative66%25%8%5,868
Moderate53%39%8%8,124
Liberal38%56%6%6,761
Don't know55%32%13%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative52%15%32%5,868
Moderate30%19%52%8,124
Liberal11%14%75%6,761
Don't know11%60%29%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who would rather have…

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative58%38%2%3%5,868
Moderate50%43%3%4%8,124
Liberal28%65%3%4%6,761
Don't know36%47%5%12%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say government aid to the poor…

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative54%41%4%2%5,868
Moderate38%56%4%2%8,124
Liberal22%74%3%1%6,761
Don't know38%48%8%7%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say abortion should be…

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative43%52%5%5,868
Moderate65%32%3%8,124
Liberal75%22%3%6,761
Don't know48%40%11%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say homosexuality…

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative53%38%5%4%5,868
Moderate75%19%4%3%8,124
Liberal83%13%2%2%6,761
Don't know60%26%6%8%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …same-sex marriage

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative42%50%8%5,868
Moderate67%27%7%8,124
Liberal80%16%4%6,761
Don't know50%32%18%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say…

Political ideologyStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative47%48%2%3%5,868
Moderate31%64%3%2%8,124
Liberal20%77%1%2%6,761
Don't know36%50%5%10%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by political ideology

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say humans…

Political ideologyEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Conservative25%27%4%39%5%5,868
Moderate40%28%4%25%3%8,124
Liberal55%21%4%18%2%6,761
Don't know27%22%9%30%11%1,202
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.