General Politics

51% Favor Imprisoning Terrorist Suspects Even Without Evidence to Convict

Following the deadly terrorist attack in Boston Monday, half of U.S. voters still support imprisoning terrorist suspects despite a lack of hard evidence to convict them.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters favor continuing the current U.S. policy of imprisoning suspected terrorists if they are considered a danger even if there is insufficient evidence to convict them. Just half as many (26%) oppose such a policy, but 23% more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 15-16, 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.

54% Are Very Angry at Congress

There’s still a lot of voter anger in the country, especially as far as Congress is concerned.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 84% of Likely U.S. Voters are at least somewhat angry at Congress, including 54% who are Very Angry. The overall finding is up five points from 79% in November 2011. Just 12% are not very or Not At All Angry at the nation’s legislators. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 11-12, 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.

19% Believe the Era of Big Government Is Over

President Bill Clinton in a 1996 address famously declared, “The era of big government is over,” but President Obama's agenda has led many to conclude that era is back. Most voters wish Clinton was right; few think he is.

Just 19% of Likely U.S. Voters, in fact, think the era of big government is over. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% do not believe that to be true. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 9-10, 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 No New Taxes Are Needed

Voters make it quite clear that there’s no need for the federal government to raise taxes. They’d prefer more tax cuts instead but are much more closely divided on that question.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 28% of Likely U.S. Voters think additional tax hikes are needed to fund the federal government. More than twice as many (63%) disagree and feel more taxes are not necessary. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 9-10, 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.

29% Say U.S. Does Not Spend Enough on National Security

While most voters know the United States spends more on national security than any other nation, just one-in-three (33%) think the amount spent is too much.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that nearly as many Likely U.S. Voters (29%) believe the United States does not spend enough on its military and national security. Thirty-two percent (32%) think the level of spending is about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 7-8, 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.

14% Are Fiscal Liberals, 34% Liberal on Social Issues

Voters remain more conservative on money issues than on social policy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters identify themselves as conservative on fiscal issues such as taxes, government spending and business regulation. Just 14% are liberal in this area, while 39% view themselves as moderates. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 3-4, 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.

57% Think U.S. Should Continue Building a Fence Along Mexican Border

Most voters favor the use of U.S. military on the Mexican border to keep drug violence out, but they also still think the U.S. should continue building a fence along the border.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters think the United States should continue building a border fence, while 29% disagree. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure if the government should keep building a fence along the Mexican border. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 3-4, 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.

13% Expect Reduced Spending Under New Obama Budget

Most voters don’t expect government spending to be reduced under President Obama’s new budget proposal. But even if Congress and the president come to a budget deal, voters think it’s unlikely the deficit will actually be reduced.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 13% of Likely U.S. Voters think government spending will be reduced under the president’s budget plan. Fifty percent (50%) think spending will keep going up, while 24% expect it to remain about the same. Another 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 7-8, 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.

69% Favor Use of U.S. Military on Border to Keep Mexican Drug Violence Out

Voters remain more concerned about Mexican drug violence coming to this country than they are about illegal immigration, and most favor use of the U.S. military on the border to prevent it. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 34% of Likely U.S. Voters are more concerned about illegal immigration. Fifty-seven percent (57%) worry more about drug violence. (To see survey question wording, click here.) Those figures are little changed from four years ago.

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 3-4, 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.

55% See Major Cyberattack on U.S. As Act of War

Following the recent major computer attack on South Korea, Americans continue to worry about the safety of this nation’s computer systems, and most still believe a foreign attack on them should be viewed as an act of war.

Eight-four percent (84%) of Likely U.S. Voters are at least somewhat concerned about the safety of America’s computer infrastructure from cyberattack, including 44% who are Very Concerned. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 14% are not very or Not At All concerned about such an attack. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 28-29, 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.

68% Say Bigger Problem in Legal System Is Too Many Released Criminals

Americans feel even more strongly that the biggest problem with the criminal justice system is that too many criminals are set free. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 68% of U.S. Adults believe that the bigger problem with law enforcement and the legal system is that too many criminals are released, not that too many innocent people are arrested. Eighteen percent (18%) hold the opposite view and think the bigger problem is that too many innocent people are arrested. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 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.

49% Worry Government Won't Do Enough to Help Economy

Nearly half of voters are still concerned that the federal government will not do enough to help the U.S. economy, and most still want spending cuts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters think that, in reacting to the nation’s current economic problems, the federal government will not do enough, down slightly from last month’s high of 51%. Thirty-nine percent (39%) worry the government will do too much, up from 37% last month and generally in line with surveys since late 2012. Another 12% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 22-23, 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.

44% See U.S. Justice System As Fair, 40% Disagree

Americans are increasingly critical of the fairness of the U.S. justice system, especially as far as the poor are concerned.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Adults in this country still believe the U.S. system of justice is fair to most Americans. Forty percent (40%) disagree, and 16% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 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.

59% Favor Death Penalty

Maryland is about to become the sixth state to abolish capital punishment following the passage of a bill that Governor Martin O’Malley is expected to sign.  Most Americans still support the death penalty, but they're much more closely divided when asked if capital punishment actually deters crime.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of U.S. Adults favor the death penalty, while 24% are opposed. Another 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 22-23, 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.

59% Think Federal Budget Deficit Is Too Big

The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein and others on the political left have begun arguing that the federal deficit is “if anything, too small.” Voters disagree.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 20% of Likely U.S. Voters share Klein’s belief that the current federal deficit is too small. Fifty-nine percent (59%) think it is too big and 13% say it’s about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 14-15, 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.

71% Favor Proof of Citizenship Before Allowing Voter Registration

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday on the federal government’s challenge of an Arizona law that requires proof of citizenship before allowing someone to register to vote. But most voters think everyone should have to prove their citizenship before being allowed to sign up for voting and don’t believe such a requirement is discriminatory.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 71% of Likely U.S. Voters believe everyone should be required to prove his or her U.S. citizenship before being allowed to register to vote. Twenty-one percent (21%) disagree and oppose such a requirement. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 18-19, 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.

16% Think Budget Can Be Balanced Without Spending Cuts

Voters are evenly divided over whether the federal budget can be balanced without tax increases but strongly believe spending cuts are necessary to achieve that goal.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 16% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is possible to balance the federal budget without cutting spending. Seventy-one percent (71%) disagree and say it is not possible. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 16-17, 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.

Voters Unhappy With Both Ryan and Murray Budget Plans

Senate Democrats and House Republicans last week introduced widely different plans for reducing the federal budget deficit over the next 10 years. Neither one excites voters very much, although they’re slightly less negative about the GOP plan that calls for spending cuts only.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the Republican plan proposed by Congressman Paul Ryan. Half (49%) of all voters oppose the Republican plan, but another 16% are not sure. It was described as a plan to balance the budget in 10 years without raising taxes but cutting spending by nearly $5 trillion in areas including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security but not defense.

However, only 19% favor the Democrats' option proposed by Senator Patty Murray. Sixty percent (60%) of voters oppose the Democratic plan. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure. It was described as a plan to reduce the deficit by cutting spending a trillion dollars and raising taxes a trillion dollars over the next 10 years that also includes $100 billion in new stimulus spending and does not balance the budget. 

It’s important to note that the questions did not mention the political party or individual that proposed each plan. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 14-15, 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.

35% View Paul Ryan Favorably, 54% Unfavorably

Even Republicans have a lower opinion these days of Congressman Paul Ryan, the party’s 2012 vice presidential nominee and the chief author of the new House GOP budget plan.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 35% of all Likely U.S. Voters now view Ryan favorably. That's down 15 points from 50% in August just after Mitt Romney chose him as his running mate.

Fifty-four percent (54%) have an unfavorable opinion of the Wisconsin congressman. These figures include 17% with a Very Favorable view of him and 23% with a Very Unfavorable one. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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(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 March 14-15, 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.

68% of GOP Voters Have Favorable View of Jeb Bush

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the Sunshine State’s newest senator, Marco Rubio, are both mentioned as possible 2016 Republican presidential candidates, and they’re popular choices right now as far as GOP voters are concerned. But Rubio has a slight advantage for now over Bush and another possible contender, Senator Rand Paul.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of Likely Republican Voters have a favorable opinion of Bush, while 22% view him unfavorably. This includes 28% with a Very Favorable regard for the son of President George H.W. Bush and the brother of President George W. Bush. Only seven percent (7%) have a Very Unfavorable opinion of him. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 12-13, 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.