Views about size of government
% of adults who would rather have…
| Survey year | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 51% | 42% | 3% | 4% | 35,071 |
| 2007 | 43% | 46% | 5% | 6% | 35,556 |
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 by religious group
% of adults who would rather have…
| Religious tradition | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | 40% | 51% | 3% | 6% | 264 |
| Catholic | 48% | 47% | 3% | 3% | 7,202 |
| Evangelical Protestant | 64% | 30% | 3% | 3% | 8,593 |
| Hindu | 40% | 57% | 4% | < 1% | 199 |
| Historically Black Protestant | 23% | 70% | 3% | 4% | 1,916 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 32% | 50% | 4% | 14% | 245 |
| Jewish | 40% | 53% | 4% | 3% | 847 |
| Mainline Protestant | 59% | 34% | 4% | 4% | 6,083 |
| Mormon | 75% | 22% | 2% | 2% | 664 |
| Muslim | 23% | 73% | 3% | 2% | 237 |
| Orthodox Christian | 61% | 38% | 1% | < 1% | 186 |
| Unaffiliated (religious "nones") | 47% | 46% | 3% | 4% | 7,556 |
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
Switch Display To: religious group by views about size of government
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 67% | 18% | 5% | 1% | 8% | 2% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 59% | 22% | 6% | 1% | 11% | 2% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 60% | 17% | 7% | 2% | 9% | 5% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 63% | 17% | 5% | 2% | 8% | 5% | 1,376 |
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: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God
Switch Display To: views about size of government by belief in God
Importance of religion in one's life by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 54% | 25% | 11% | 10% | 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 52% | 25% | 11% | 12% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 53% | 22% | 10% | 13% | 2% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 53% | 22% | 10% | 11% | 3% | 1,376 |
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: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important
Switch Display To: views about size of government by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 38% | 32% | 29% | < 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 33% | 36% | 31% | < 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 33% | 32% | 34% | 1% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 34% | 26% | 37% | 2% | 1,376 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: views about size of government by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer by views about size of government
% of adults who pray…
| Views about size of government | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 57% | 16% | 6% | 21% | 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 53% | 16% | 6% | 25% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 57% | 14% | 4% | 23% | 2% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 56% | 12% | 5% | 22% | 4% | 1,376 |
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: At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: views about size of government by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 26% | 9% | 8% | 57% | < 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 23% | 10% | 8% | 58% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 22% | 8% | 7% | 61% | 2% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 23% | 6% | 7% | 60% | 3% | 1,376 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: views about size of government by attendance at prayer groups
Frequency of meditation by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 40% | 8% | 4% | 47% | 2% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 40% | 9% | 5% | 44% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 48% | 8% | 4% | 37% | 3% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 44% | 7% | 4% | 40% | 5% | 1,376 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: views about size of government by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 60% | 15% | 9% | 15% | 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 57% | 15% | 10% | 17% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 63% | 12% | 8% | 13% | 3% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 60% | 11% | 8% | 16% | 5% | 1,376 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 45% | 16% | 13% | 24% | 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 45% | 16% | 13% | 25% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 51% | 12% | 10% | 22% | 5% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 47% | 13% | 10% | 25% | 4% | 1,376 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Sources of guidance on right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Views about size of government | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 37% | 9% | 45% | 7% | 2% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 30% | 12% | 45% | 12% | 2% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 29% | 12% | 42% | 8% | 8% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 29% | 9% | 44% | 6% | 11% | 1,376 |
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science
Switch Display To: views about size of government by sources of guidance on right and wrong
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 42% | 56% | 1% | 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 23% | 75% | 1% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 26% | 65% | 7% | 2% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 26% | 67% | 3% | 3% | 1,376 |
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: There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation
Frequency of reading scripture by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 37% | 10% | 8% | 44% | 1% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 33% | 11% | 8% | 47% | 1% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 34% | 10% | 8% | 47% | 2% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 36% | 10% | 6% | 45% | 3% | 1,376 |
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: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never
Switch Display To: views about size of government by frequency of reading scripture
Interpreting scripture by views about size of government
% of adults 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 | 29% | 30% | 3% | 31% | 6% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 34% | 23% | 2% | 35% | 6% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 22% | 17% | 6% | 36% | 19% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 25% | 19% | 8% | 30% | 19% | 1,376 |
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: Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God
Switch Display To: views about size of government by interpretation of scripture
Belief in Heaven by views about size of government
% of adults who …in heaven
| Views about size of government | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 73% | 19% | 7% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 71% | 23% | 6% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 60% | 25% | 15% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 65% | 18% | 17% | 1,376 |
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: Believe, Don't believe
Switch Display To: views about size of government by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell by views about size of government
% of adults who …in hell
| Views about size of government | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 60% | 32% | 8% | 19,186 |
| Bigger government; more services | 56% | 37% | 7% | 13,339 |
| Depends | 45% | 37% | 18% | 1,170 |
| Don't know | 50% | 33% | 17% | 1,376 |
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: Believe, Don't believe
Switch Display To: views about size of government by belief in hell
