Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201453%27%14%6%12,206
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by religious group

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Religious traditionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Catholic48%32%16%4%2,385
Evangelical Protestant68%20%7%4%4,563
Historically Black Protestant43%31%21%6%585
Jehovah's Witness19%14%7%60%140
Jewish35%35%26%4%188
Mainline Protestant53%30%13%5%2,013
Mormon70%23%3%4%382
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")28%36%27%9%1,520
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are ages…

Political ideology18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Conservative11%33%33%23%6,592
Moderate19%37%28%16%3,212
Liberal21%38%25%15%1,542
Don't know22%41%21%16%579
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Political ideologyYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Conservative6%9%28%40%15%1%6,592
Moderate11%15%30%33%10%1%3,212
Liberal13%16%31%31%9%1%1,542
Don't know13%17%32%25%12%1%579
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Political ideologyMenWomenSample size
Conservative54%46%6,745
Moderate49%51%3,280
Liberal51%49%1,557
Don't know45%55%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who identify as…

Political ideologyWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Conservative80%7%1%9%3%6,631
Moderate69%12%3%13%4%3,232
Liberal55%16%5%20%4%1,538
Don't know59%14%3%18%7%593
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Political ideologyImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Conservative9%7%84%6,696
Moderate13%9%79%3,250
Liberal20%12%68%1,538
Don't know17%7%75%593
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who have a household income of…

Political ideologyLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Conservative25%20%33%21%5,863
Moderate30%20%30%21%2,915
Liberal39%21%22%17%1,421
Don't know54%18%19%9%433
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who have completed…

Political ideologyHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Conservative38%34%19%9%6,714
Moderate34%36%18%13%3,266
Liberal43%30%16%12%1,550
Don't know55%31%10%4%602
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Political ideologyMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Conservative66%3%11%7%13%6,716
Moderate54%6%12%6%23%3,270
Liberal42%10%15%5%28%1,551
Don't know48%7%12%6%27%610
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who are…

Political ideologyParentsNon-parentsSample size
Conservative31%69%6,717
Moderate31%69%3,264
Liberal31%69%1,555
Don't know30%70%615
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong 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
Conservative85%11%2%1%2%1%6,745
Moderate69%19%4%< 1%6%1%3,280
Liberal57%22%7%1%12%2%1,557
Don't know77%10%5%1%5%2%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say religion is…

Political ideologyVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Conservative78%15%4%2%< 1%6,745
Moderate58%25%9%8%< 1%3,280
Liberal48%26%12%14%< 1%1,557
Don't know67%15%6%7%4%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who attend religious services…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative60%26%14%< 1%6,745
Moderate40%34%25%< 1%3,280
Liberal27%36%36%< 1%1,557
Don't know47%23%26%4%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who pray…

Political ideologyAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative77%11%3%7%1%6,745
Moderate59%17%6%17%1%3,280
Liberal49%16%6%28%1%1,557
Don't know68%10%4%15%4%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative44%11%9%36%1%6,745
Moderate26%11%9%54%< 1%3,280
Liberal20%9%8%63%< 1%1,557
Don't know38%11%6%42%3%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who meditate…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative49%7%3%39%2%6,745
Moderate42%8%4%45%1%3,280
Liberal40%8%5%46%1%1,557
Don't know47%7%2%38%6%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong 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
Conservative74%11%6%8%1%6,745
Moderate63%14%10%12%1%3,280
Liberal57%14%9%19%1%1,557
Don't know66%10%7%13%5%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong 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
Conservative50%15%10%23%2%6,745
Moderate44%17%14%24%1%3,280
Liberal47%15%14%23%1%1,557
Don't know43%14%8%28%7%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Political ideologyReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Conservative63%4%27%3%2%6,745
Moderate38%10%42%7%2%3,280
Liberal28%15%43%12%2%1,557
Don't know47%4%37%6%6%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who read scripture…

Political ideologyAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Conservative61%9%7%23%1%6,745
Moderate39%11%8%41%1%3,280
Liberal30%12%9%50%1%1,557
Don't know51%9%5%32%3%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong 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
Conservative52%29%4%11%4%6,745
Moderate30%33%2%27%7%3,280
Liberal27%24%2%41%7%1,557
Don't know39%21%9%19%11%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who …in heaven

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative84%9%8%6,745
Moderate78%16%6%3,280
Liberal68%28%5%1,557
Don't know70%16%14%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who …in hell

Political ideologyBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Conservative78%15%7%6,745
Moderate64%29%8%3,280
Liberal52%42%7%1,557
Don't know53%34%13%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who identify as…

Political ideologyRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Conservative76%10%15%6,745
Moderate39%17%44%3,280
Liberal15%17%68%1,557
Don't know16%67%17%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who would rather have…

Political ideologySmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Conservative81%16%1%2%6,745
Moderate59%34%3%4%3,280
Liberal31%63%3%2%1,557
Don't know40%41%7%13%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Political ideologyDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative73%23%3%1%6,745
Moderate46%49%4%1%3,280
Liberal31%64%3%1%1,557
Don't know43%44%6%7%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Political ideologyLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Conservative25%72%3%6,745
Moderate54%42%4%3,280
Liberal65%33%2%1,557
Don't know36%52%11%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Political ideologyShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Conservative30%63%4%3%6,745
Moderate64%29%4%4%3,280
Liberal73%21%3%3%1,557
Don't know39%42%8%10%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Political ideologyStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Conservative20%74%7%6,745
Moderate54%38%8%3,280
Liberal68%27%6%1,557
Don't know31%49%19%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong 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
Conservative63%32%2%2%6,745
Moderate34%62%2%2%3,280
Liberal26%70%2%2%1,557
Don't know35%53%5%7%624
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 there are clear standards for what is right and wrong by political ideology

% of adults who say that there are clear standards for what is right and wrong 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
Conservative12%23%2%59%4%6,745
Moderate28%29%4%36%3%3,280
Liberal42%26%2%27%3%1,557
Don't know18%18%4%49%12%624
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.