Political polarization – the vast and growing gap between liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats – is a defining feature of American politics today, and one the Pew Research Center has documented for many years.
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Republicans and Democrats are more divided along ideological lines – and partisan acrimony is deeper and more extensive – than at any point in recent history. And these trends manifest themselves in myriad ways, both in politics and in everyday life.
When it comes to getting news about politics and government, liberals and conservatives inhabit different worlds. There is little overlap in the news sources they turn to and trust.
Our latest political typology sorts voters into cohesive groups based on their attitudes and values and provides a field guide for the constantly changing political landscape.
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The share of Americans calling global climate change a major threat to the U.S. has grown since 2013, an increase that has occurred largely among Democrats.
Most Democrats think scientists should take an active role in policy debates, while 56% of Republicans say they should focus on establishing sound scientific facts.
A majority of Americans see at least some effect of climate change where they live. Partisans differ over the effects of climate policies.
Americans lean toward regulations – not economic markets alone – as the most effective way to increase reliance on renewable energy, but they are evenly split on whether fewer regulations can protect air and water.
People’s level of science knowledge helps to a degree to explain their beliefs about climate and energy issues, but it depends on their partisanship.
Support for focusing on alternative energy development (is up slightly since December 2014, but wide political differences remain.
Pew Research Center President Michael Dimock examines the changes – some profound, some subtle – that the U.S. experienced during Barack Obama’s presidency.
In 2016, Pew Research Center examined an array of topics in America – from immigration to the growing divide between Republicans and Democrats – as well as many from around the globe.
A majority of U.S. adults say stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost, while roughly a third say such regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy.
Supporters of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump disagree on whether to support or oppose expanding the production of a range of fossil fuel energy sources.