| Survey year | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 52% | 42% | 3% | 4% | 15,190 |
| 2007 | 43% | 47% | 4% | 6% | 18,234 |
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services
Views about size of government among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by religious group
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…
| Religious tradition | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 42% | 53% | 4% | 1% | 111 |
| Catholic | 49% | 44% | 3% | 4% | 3,428 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 59% | 35% | 3% | 4% | 2,407 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 23% | 72% | 2% | 3% | 751 |
| Jewish | 46% | 48% | 2% | 4% | 414 |
| Mainline Protestant | 60% | 33% | 4% | 4% | 2,990 |
| Mormon | 70% | 25% | 3% | 2% | 162 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 51% | 43% | 3% | 3% | 4,142 |
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: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…
| Views about size of government | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 20% | 35% | 26% | 19% | 8,134 |
| Bigger government; more services | 28% | 34% | 24% | 13% | 5,758 |
| Depends | 13% | 33% | 33% | 21% | 467 |
| Don't know | 16% | 34% | 23% | 26% | 555 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Views about size of government | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 12% | 14% | 28% | 32% | 12% | 1% | 8,134 |
| Bigger government; more services | 18% | 17% | 27% | 28% | 8% | 1% | 5,758 |
| Depends | 7% | 12% | 27% | 38% | 14% | 2% | 467 |
| Don't know | 8% | 14% | 29% | 31% | 15% | 3% | 555 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Views about size of government | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 59% | 41% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 41% | 59% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 52% | 48% | 476 |
| Don't know | 43% | 57% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…
| Views about size of government | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 81% | 5% | 3% | 8% | 3% | 8,159 |
| Bigger government; more services | 53% | 18% | 5% | 19% | 4% | 5,799 |
| Depends | 69% | 10% | 2% | 13% | 6% | 465 |
| Don't know | 72% | 8% | 2% | 12% | 5% | 560 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Views about size of government | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 8% | 10% | 82% | 8,215 |
| Bigger government; more services | 18% | 11% | 70% | 5,744 |
| Depends | 12% | 11% | 77% | 467 |
| Don't know | 10% | 7% | 82% | 562 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…
| Views about size of government | Less than $30,000 | $30,000-$49,999 | $50,000-$99,999 | $100,000 or more | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 25% | 22% | 31% | 23% | 7,289 |
| Bigger government; more services | 45% | 19% | 22% | 14% | 5,190 |
| Depends | 40% | 16% | 27% | 18% | 387 |
| Don't know | 41% | 24% | 19% | 15% | 437 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…
| Views about size of government | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 39% | 35% | 16% | 9% | 8,239 |
| Bigger government; more services | 48% | 28% | 14% | 9% | 5,825 |
| Depends | 40% | 37% | 15% | 9% | 473 |
| Don't know | 48% | 31% | 13% | 8% | 574 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Views about size of government | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 52% | 8% | 12% | 6% | 22% | 8,250 |
| Bigger government; more services | 38% | 10% | 14% | 6% | 32% | 5,835 |
| Depends | 48% | 8% | 15% | 10% | 19% | 472 |
| Don't know | 45% | 9% | 15% | 11% | 20% | 572 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Views about size of government | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 27% | 73% | 8,259 |
| Bigger government; more services | 31% | 69% | 5,836 |
| Depends | 27% | 73% | 475 |
| Don't know | 26% | 74% | 576 |
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.
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…
| Views about size of government | Believe in God; absolutely certain | Believe in God; fairly certain | Believe in God; not too/not at all certain | Believe in God; don't know | Do not believe in God | Other/don't know if they believe in God | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 54% | 26% | 6% | 1% | 10% | 3% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 54% | 24% | 7% | 1% | 12% | 2% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 51% | 22% | 8% | 2% | 11% | 5% | 476 |
| Don't know | 55% | 21% | 6% | 3% | 8% | 6% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…
| Views about size of government | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 35% | 35% | 16% | 13% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 41% | 31% | 14% | 13% | < 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 39% | 33% | 13% | 14% | 1% | 476 |
| Don't know | 38% | 31% | 14% | 14% | 3% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…
| Views about size of government | At least once a week | Once or twice a month/a few times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 21% | 39% | 40% | < 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 22% | 40% | 38% | < 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 20% | 38% | 41% | 1% | 476 |
| Don't know | 20% | 31% | 48% | 1% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…
| Views about size of government | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 41% | 19% | 8% | 30% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 46% | 17% | 7% | 29% | 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 46% | 19% | 6% | 28% | 2% | 476 |
| Don't know | 44% | 17% | 6% | 29% | 5% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…
| Views about size of government | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 12% | 7% | 8% | 74% | < 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 15% | 8% | 8% | 69% | < 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 10% | 8% | 6% | 75% | 1% | 476 |
| Don't know | 12% | 5% | 7% | 74% | 3% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…
| Views about size of government | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 30% | 8% | 4% | 56% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 34% | 9% | 5% | 51% | 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 39% | 8% | 5% | 46% | 2% | 476 |
| Don't know | 37% | 7% | 5% | 48% | 2% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| Views about size of government | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 47% | 17% | 12% | 22% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 50% | 17% | 12% | 20% | 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 54% | 15% | 9% | 19% | 2% | 476 |
| Don't know | 49% | 14% | 12% | 21% | 5% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| Views about size of government | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 39% | 17% | 15% | 28% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 41% | 16% | 13% | 28% | 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 43% | 15% | 13% | 26% | 3% | 476 |
| Don't know | 40% | 15% | 12% | 31% | 2% | 578 |
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 absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…
| Views about size of government | There are clear standards for what is right and wrong | Right or wrong depends on the situation | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 31% | 67% | 1% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 19% | 80% | 1% | 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 22% | 70% | 7% | 1% | 476 |
| Don't know | 19% | 78% | 2% | 2% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…
| Views about size of government | At least once a week | Once or twice a month | Several times a year | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 19% | 10% | 10% | 61% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 22% | 10% | 9% | 57% | 1% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 19% | 10% | 11% | 59% | 1% | 476 |
| Don't know | 19% | 10% | 8% | 60% | 2% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…
| Views about size of government | Word of God; should be taken literally | Word of God; not everything taken literally | Word of God; other/don't know | Not the word of God | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 16% | 30% | 2% | 44% | 8% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 26% | 25% | 2% | 41% | 7% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 15% | 16% | 3% | 44% | 23% | 476 |
| Don't know | 16% | 18% | 5% | 38% | 23% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven
| Views about size of government | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 69% | 24% | 7% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 70% | 24% | 6% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 55% | 30% | 15% | 476 |
| Don't know | 61% | 19% | 19% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell
| Views about size of government | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 52% | 40% | 8% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 53% | 40% | 7% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 40% | 42% | 18% | 476 |
| Don't know | 47% | 34% | 19% | 578 |
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.
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…
| Views about size of government | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 51% | 18% | 31% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 16% | 18% | 66% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 17% | 26% | 57% | 476 |
| Don't know | 14% | 32% | 53% | 578 |
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.
Political ideology among adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…
| Views about size of government | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 39% | 40% | 16% | 5% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 20% | 35% | 38% | 7% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 19% | 40% | 30% | 12% | 476 |
| Don't know | 17% | 37% | 25% | 21% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…
| Views about size of government | Does more harm than good | Does more good than harm | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 62% | 33% | 3% | 1% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 27% | 69% | 3% | 2% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 26% | 52% | 18% | 3% | 476 |
| Don't know | 25% | 54% | 10% | 11% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…
| Views about size of government | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 62% | 34% | 4% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 66% | 31% | 3% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 66% | 21% | 13% | 476 |
| Don't know | 61% | 22% | 17% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…
| Views about size of government | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 68% | 25% | 4% | 3% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 77% | 18% | 3% | 3% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 74% | 12% | 9% | 5% | 476 |
| Don't know | 66% | 17% | 7% | 10% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage
| Views about size of government | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 58% | 34% | 8% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 69% | 24% | 7% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 64% | 19% | 18% | 476 |
| Don't know | 60% | 21% | 19% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…
| Views about size of government | Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy | Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 46% | 50% | 2% | 2% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 28% | 68% | 1% | 3% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 19% | 65% | 10% | 6% | 476 |
| Don't know | 21% | 60% | 7% | 12% | 578 |
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 common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…
| Views about size of government | Evolved; due to natural processes | Evolved; due to God's design | Evolved; don't know how | Always existed in present form | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 38% | 29% | 4% | 25% | 3% | 8,285 |
| Bigger government; more services | 42% | 24% | 3% | 28% | 3% | 5,851 |
| Depends | 43% | 19% | 9% | 20% | 9% | 476 |
| Don't know | 34% | 19% | 14% | 20% | 13% | 578 |
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.
