Lifestyle

39% Think Common Core Standards Likely to Improve Student Achievement

Forty-five states have adopted new national education standards known as Common Core, and nearly half of Americans think that's a good idea. But fewer adults are confident that the new standards will improve student achievement.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults favor requiring all schools nationwide to meet the same Common Core education standards. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are opposed, while nearly as many (23%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)  

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

56% Oppose Use of Standardized Tests as Chief Measure of School Performance

Standardized testing is increasingly becoming the norm in school districts to determine how well a school and its teachers are doing, but most Americans oppose that practice.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 28% of American Adults think student scores on standardized tests should be the major factor in determining how well a school is doing. Twice as many (56%) disagree with the use of these tests as the chief measurement. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

47% Plan Something Special to Honor Veterans Day

Nearly half of Americans say they will honor the nation's fallen this Veterans Day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 47% of American Adults plan to do something special to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have given their lives for their country. Thirty-five percent (35%) don’t plan on observing the holiday, but 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 10% Say They Are Smokers

Fewer Americans than ever now say they smoke cigarettes, but fewer also want smoking outlawed completely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 10% of American Adults say they currently smoke, the lowest in nearly five years of surveying. More than ever (60%) now say they have never smoked, while 30% used to smoke but quit. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on October 31-November 1, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Americans Say 18 Is Old Enough to Vote or Be in Military, But Not to Smoke

Most Americans think even though someone is old enough to vote or die for their country, they're not mature enough yet to decide whether they want to smoke. 

Only 29% of American Adults favor raising the current voting age from 18 to 21, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Sixty-four percent (64%) oppose raising the legal age to vote. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on October 31-November 1, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Think Feds Likely to Have Looked at Internet Activity of Someone in Their Family

Americans recognize there is no way to guarantee the privacy of their Internet searches, and one-out-of-two now think it's likely the government has trolled their Internet activity or that of someone in their family. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Americans who use the Internet at least occasionally consider their Internet communications at least somewhat private now, with 21% who feel they are Very Private. Twenty-eight percent (28%) think their Internet activity is not private, with eight percent (8%) who say it is Not At All Private. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 2-3, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

36% Think There's Still A Need for Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, but nearly half of Americans no longer think it’s necessary.

For the most part, American adults (85%) know they will move their clocks an hour backward this weekend to signify the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Eleven percent (11%) think they will move their clocks forward, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.  

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 29-30, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

25% Believe in Ghosts

This Halloween, one-in-four Americans is wary of a mysterious looming presence, and it’s not the NSA.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 25% of American Adults believe in ghosts. Sixty-five percent (65%) don’t, but another 10% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

37% Say Zombies Would Do Better Job Than Federal Gov't, 37% Opt for Feds

It’s not exactly a vote of confidence in the powers that be: A sizable number of Americans think the undead would do a better job than the brain dead in Washington, D.C. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of American Adults believe the federal government would do a better job than zombies running the country today. But the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that most Americans don’t share that view, with just as many (37%) who feel zombies would do a better job running the country and another 26% who can’t decide between the two. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 29-30, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

61% Say Halloween is For Both Adults and Kids

Even though most adults aren’t dressing up for Halloween, they still don’t think the kids should have all the fun.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just one-third (33%) of American Adults think Halloween is just for kids, while 61% think it’s for both adults and children. That’s up from last year when just 50% said it was for both adults and kids. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

63% Think Kids Should be Allowed to Wear Halloween Costumes, Bring Candy to School

Let them eat cake - or candy, to be more precise. Some public schools no longer permit students to wear Halloween costumes or bring Halloween candy to school, but 63% of American Adults think both should be allowed. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% do not think students should be allowed to do either. Ten percent (10%) are not sure whether costumes should be allowed, and 11% are not sure if kids should be able to bring in candy. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 27-28, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

9% Put Their Pet Ahead of Family and Friends

Most people put their family and friends before their pet, but for one-in-10, their pet comes first.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 83% of American pet owners say their family and friends still come first. However, nine percent (9%) say their pet comes first. That’s generally unchanged from January 2012. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 23-24, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

41% Think Legal System Worries Too Much About Church-State Separation

Most Americans say religion is important to their everyday life, and a plurality thinks the country’s legal system is too worried about the separation of church and state. 

Seventy-three percent (73%) of American Adults say their religious faith is at least somewhat important in their daily life, including 49% who say it’s Very Important. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that one-in-four (25%) do not consider religion important in their daily life, with 13% who say it’s Not At All Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 21-22, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

11% Have Health Insurance for Their Pets

As the country debates whether every American should be required to have health insurance, 11% of pet owners in the United States say they have health insurance for their pets, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That hasn't changed since January 2012.

Fifty-five percent (55%) of American Adults say they own a pet. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 23-24, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

52% Think Public Schools Need More Religion

Most Americans feel there is not enough religion in the public schools and favor prayer in those schools.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 11% of American Adults think there is too much religion in the public schools today. Fifty-two percent (52%) say there’s not enough religion in the schools, while 29% view the current level as about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 21-22, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

45% Are Likely to Buy From Consignment Stores

Just under half of Americans are likely to shop at consignment stores, and nearly a third say they are more likely to do so in recent years because of the poor economy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults say they are at least somewhat likely to buy things from a consignment store, including 20% who are Very Likely to do so. Fifty-two percent (52%) are unlikely to shop at these stories, with 15% who say it's Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 19-20, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

66% Think High School Graduates Lack Skills for College or Job

Voters continue to believe strongly that high school graduates lack the necessary skills to enter college or the workforce.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 66% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that most high school graduates are unprepared for college. Only 18% disagree, while 15% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

47% Go to Work If They're Sick

Consider it a classic example of "do as I say, not as I do." Americans strongly believe it’s best to stay home from work if you’re sick, but few follow their own advice.

Only 16% of American Adults believe someone who is sick should go to work anyway, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But three times as many (47%) say they generally go to work when they are sick. 

Seventy-six percent (76%) believe a person should stay home from work until he or she gets better, but just 44% say that's what they personally do. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 19-20, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

26% Favor Complete Cell Phone Ban Behind the Wheel

Fewer adults than ever think there should be a complete ban on cell phone use while driving because most think drivers should be able to use hands-free devices.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 26% of American Adults still support a complete ban on cell phone use while driving, but that's down from 36% in 2011 and 38% in 2009. Sixty-nine percent (69%) think drivers should be allowed to use hands-free devices, the highest finding in surveys to date. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 17-18, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology

56% Think 16 Is Too Young to Drive

Most adults think someone should be older than 16 before they are eligible for a driver's license. Most also favor annual driving tests once someone reaches the age of 75. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that four percent (4%) think someone should be allowed to get a driver’s license at age 15, while 38% feel 16 is the appropriate age. But 56% believe the eligibility age should be higher, with 20% who say 17, 32% who favor 18 and four percent (4%) who prefer 21. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 17-18, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.