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.
Age distribution among nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are ages…
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Views about size of government
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
29%
38%
23%
10%
2,405
Bigger government; more services
38%
37%
19%
7%
2,118
Depends
20%
43%
24%
13%
171
Don't know
24%
40%
21%
15%
209
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are…
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Views about size of government
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
18%
19%
30%
27%
6%
< 1%
2,405
Bigger government; more services
24%
23%
28%
21%
4%
< 1%
2,118
Depends
13%
20%
30%
29%
7%
1%
171
Don't know
8%
24%
31%
26%
10%
< 1%
209
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are…
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Views about size of government
Men
Women
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
61%
39%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
46%
54%
2,150
Depends
55%
45%
174
Don't know
52%
48%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who identify as…
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Views about size of government
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
74%
7%
4%
10%
5%
2,390
Bigger government; more services
52%
17%
6%
20%
5%
2,125
Depends
72%
9%
7%
8%
4%
168
Don't know
64%
8%
4%
16%
8%
205
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are…
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Views about size of government
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
10%
11%
80%
2,405
Bigger government; more services
18%
12%
70%
2,105
Depends
13%
12%
75%
167
Don't know
17%
7%
76%
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.
Income distribution among nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who have a household income of…
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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
30%
24%
27%
20%
2,176
Bigger government; more services
46%
19%
22%
14%
1,922
Depends
36%
21%
25%
18%
150
Don't know
41%
23%
18%
18%
167
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who have completed…
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Views about size of government
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
42%
35%
16%
8%
2,436
Bigger government; more services
48%
28%
14%
10%
2,142
Depends
41%
31%
17%
11%
173
Don't know
43%
33%
14%
9%
211
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are…
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Views about size of government
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
42%
11%
12%
4%
31%
2,432
Bigger government; more services
33%
12%
12%
3%
40%
2,145
Depends
44%
11%
7%
6%
33%
174
Don't know
43%
9%
13%
6%
29%
209
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are…
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Views about size of government
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
26%
74%
2,437
Bigger government; more services
30%
70%
2,143
Depends
26%
74%
172
Don't know
28%
72%
213
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 God among nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say they…
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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
36%
27%
12%
1%
19%
5%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
37%
27%
12%
1%
21%
4%
2,150
Depends
38%
13%
14%
3%
21%
12%
174
Don't know
40%
23%
11%
1%
17%
9%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say religion is…
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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
14%
28%
29%
28%
1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
20%
27%
26%
27%
1%
2,150
Depends
19%
22%
24%
32%
3%
174
Don't know
18%
22%
26%
29%
6%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who attend religious services…
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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
5%
27%
68%
< 1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
6%
30%
64%
< 1%
2,150
Depends
9%
23%
67%
< 1%
174
Don't know
6%
20%
73%
1%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who pray…
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Views about size of government
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
24%
14%
8%
54%
< 1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
28%
15%
8%
49%
< 1%
2,150
Depends
31%
8%
8%
50%
4%
174
Don't know
34%
11%
7%
45%
3%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who attend prayer group…
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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
5%
3%
4%
87%
< 1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
7%
5%
5%
83%
< 1%
2,150
Depends
3%
6%
4%
86%
1%
174
Don't know
12%
1%
6%
80%
1%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who meditate…
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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
27%
9%
5%
58%
1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
27%
10%
4%
58%
1%
2,150
Depends
41%
8%
4%
46%
1%
174
Don't know
36%
5%
5%
50%
5%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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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
41%
16%
11%
32%
1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
43%
15%
11%
28%
2%
2,150
Depends
50%
13%
9%
21%
7%
174
Don't know
44%
11%
11%
29%
5%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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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
44%
15%
12%
28%
1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
41%
16%
12%
29%
1%
2,150
Depends
59%
11%
6%
21%
2%
174
Don't know
41%
15%
12%
29%
4%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about size of government
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
8%
14%
65%
11%
2%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
11%
16%
56%
15%
2%
2,150
Depends
11%
21%
49%
13%
6%
174
Don't know
10%
12%
52%
10%
15%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say…
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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
26%
71%
1%
1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
20%
79%
1%
1%
2,150
Depends
17%
74%
7%
3%
174
Don't know
15%
73%
4%
7%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who read scripture…
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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
11%
5%
6%
77%
< 1%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
13%
8%
5%
73%
< 1%
2,150
Depends
10%
5%
7%
77%
1%
174
Don't know
14%
9%
4%
70%
2%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say the holy scripture is…
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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
9%
17%
1%
66%
8%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
19%
14%
1%
59%
7%
2,150
Depends
6%
8%
2%
61%
22%
174
Don't know
15%
8%
2%
54%
22%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who …in heaven
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
49%
41%
10%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
53%
39%
9%
2,150
Depends
28%
52%
20%
174
Don't know
42%
37%
22%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who …in hell
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
34%
56%
10%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
40%
53%
7%
2,150
Depends
20%
60%
20%
174
Don't know
31%
50%
19%
214
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.
Party affiliation among nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who identify as…
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Views about size of government
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
39%
26%
35%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
15%
23%
62%
2,150
Depends
7%
42%
52%
174
Don't know
9%
42%
50%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who are…
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Views about size of government
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
27%
41%
23%
8%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
17%
31%
43%
9%
2,150
Depends
10%
35%
39%
15%
174
Don't know
14%
30%
26%
30%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say government aid to the poor…
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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
56%
39%
4%
2%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
27%
69%
3%
1%
2,150
Depends
21%
53%
23%
3%
174
Don't know
28%
51%
8%
14%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say abortion should be…
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Views about size of government
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
68%
28%
5%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
66%
31%
4%
2,150
Depends
70%
18%
12%
174
Don't know
60%
23%
17%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say homosexuality…
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Views about size of government
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
75%
18%
4%
3%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
81%
14%
2%
2%
2,150
Depends
77%
10%
9%
4%
174
Don't know
66%
16%
4%
13%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who …same-sex marriage
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Table
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Views about size of government
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
68%
24%
8%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
75%
19%
6%
2,150
Depends
75%
14%
11%
174
Don't know
64%
16%
20%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say…
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Table
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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
39%
57%
2%
2%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
25%
71%
2%
3%
2,150
Depends
16%
67%
9%
7%
174
Don't know
18%
60%
9%
14%
214
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 nothing in particulars by views about size of government
% of nothing in particulars who say humans…
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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
52%
20%
6%
20%
3%
2,446
Bigger government; more services
54%
18%
3%
22%
3%
2,150
Depends
52%
15%
9%
13%
11%
174
Don't know
40%
18%
15%
13%
14%
214
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.