Politics

56% Think Government Agencies Cut Popular Programs First

Last week’s airport delays prompted complaints that the federal government was targeting areas that hurt the public the most to increase opposition to government spending cuts. Most Americans agree and also think Congress’ quick response to the delays highlights how the legislators look out for themselves first.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults think that when government agencies are forced to cut their budgets, they generally cut popular programs first to make the cuts seem more significant. Just 17% disagree, but 27% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on April 26-27, 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.

32% Think Obama Administration Has Done Good or Excellent Job Explaining Benghazi

Most voters believe the murder in Benghazi, Libya last year of the U.S. ambassador there was a terrorist act and needs to be thoroughly investigated. But they give the Obama administration lackluster marks for its explanations so far.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 78% of Likely U.S. Voters think it’s at least somewhat important to find out exactly what happened in the events surrounding the murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others in Benghazi, Libya, last September. That includes 51% who regard it as Very Important. Seventeen percent (17%) don't feel a full investigation of what happened in Libya is important, but that includes only four percent (4%) who say it's Not At All Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 25-26, 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.

2% Favor Congress Exempting Itself From Health Care Law

Voters couldn't be much clearer: Members of Congress and their staffers must be subject to the full requirements of President Obama’s national health care law, just like the rest of us.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only two percent (2%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe Congress members and their staff should be exempt from the health care law. Ninety-five percent (95%) think they should face the same requirements as all other working Americans. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Only 16% Know Anyone Affected by Sequester Flight Delays

Congress cited public outrage as the reason for moving swiftly to end flight delays caused by the sequester. However, very few Americans were actually impacted.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 16% of all American Adults knew anyone affected by the delays. However, upper-income Americans were far more likely to have been impacted than those who earn less. And, of course, most Members of Congress fly home on a regular basis.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on April 26-27, 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. 

24% Feel Legal System Puts Public Safety Ahead of Individual Rights

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, Americans remain closely divided when asked about the balance between protecting public safety and preserving individual rights. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 28% of American Adults think the U.S. legal system worries too much about protecting individuals rights, while 24% say it worries too much about public safety.  Twenty-nine percent (29%) believe the balance is about right, while a sizable 20% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 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.

30% View U.N. As U.S. Ally

One-out-of-two U.S. Voters now view the United Nations favorably, but far fewer consider the international organization an ally of the United States.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of voters have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the U.N., while 42% view the international organization unfavorably. This includes 13% with a Very Favorable opinion and 21% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

23% Think Surveillance Cameras Have Violated Their Privacy

Most working Americans say there are surveillance cameras where they work, and one-in-four of all Americans think their privacy has been violated by such cameras.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that most Americans (69%) do not feel that a security or surveillance camera has violated their privacy. But 23% do believe their privacy has been violated.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 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.

63% Say American Society is Generally Fair and Decent

Most voters agree that American society is generally fair and decent, and they think people who move here should adopt the culture.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely U.S. Voters say American society is generally fair and decent, up from 60% in January and the highest level measured since October. One-in-four (26%) say American society is generally unfair and discriminatory, and 10% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

61% Favor Death Penalty for Boston Bombing Suspect If Convicted

Most voters think the surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings case should get the death penalty if convicted, but far fewer think it’s Very Likely he actually will receive the ultimate sentence. Most also think the bombers had ties to terrorist organizations.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the surviving Boston marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if convicted and found guilty. Just 23% oppose the death penalty in this case, while 16% more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

70% Favor Use of Surveillance Cameras in Public Places

Following their use in identifying the suspected perpetrators of the Boston Marathon bombings, Americans strongly support the use of surveillance cameras in public areas and believe they help reduce crime.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 18% of American Adults oppose the use of surveillance and security cameras in public places. Seventy percent (70%) support the use of such cameras.  Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 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.

87% Give Positive Marks to Law Enforcement Response to Boston Bombings

Voters give overwhelmingly high marks to the law enforcement agencies that handled the Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath but are less happy with the media coverage of the events. They worry, though, that the government is not focused enough on the threat of domestic Islamic terrorism.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 87% of Likely U.S. Voters think law enforcement agencies did a good or excellent job handling the investigation of the bombings and pursuing the suspects in the case. This includes 59% who rate their performance as excellent. Just two percent (2%) believe they did a poor job. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 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% Favor Stricter Gun Control Laws

Most voters continue to support increased background checks for potential gun buyers but only half want stricter gun control laws. Most also say the gun control issue will be important to how they vote in the next congressional election.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 73% of Likely U.S. Voters think strict background checks should be required for anyone to buy a gun in the United States. Only 18% disagree. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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

Only 11% Think U.S. Can Ever Be Totally Safe from Terrorism

Most voters recognize that the United States can never be made completely safe from terrorist attacks like the one in Boston on Monday and think another terrorist attack is likely in this country within the next year.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 71% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it is at least somewhat likely that there will be another terrorist attack in the United States in the next year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

23% Want to Close Guantanamo Prison for Terrorists

Most voters favor continued use of the Guantanamo prison camp for terrorists and remain concerned that closing the camp may lead to dangerous terrorists being set free.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 23% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the prison camp at the Guantanamo U.S. Naval Base in Cuba should be closed. Fifty-nine percent (59%) oppose closing the prison. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in The Rasmussen Challenge? Final results are in - check the leaderboard. 

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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.

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.

Sanctions on Employers, Sanctuary Cities Seen As Most Effective Ways to Stop Illegal Immigration

Most Americans continue to believe it is important to secure the border to prevent future illegal immigration, but there’s little talk about how exactly the government should go about doing that. Rasmussen Reports tested some of the tools that have been mentioned to see how effective Americans think they would be.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds 78% of American Adults think it is at least somewhat important to secure the border to prevent future illegal immigration, including 57% who view it as Very Important. Seventeen percent (17%) see border security as not very or Not At All Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on April 10-11, 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.   

23% Believe It Is Too Hard to Get An Abortion in America

North Dakota recently enacted the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the nation, and several other states are considering similar legislation. While the number of pro-choice voters remains near an all-time high, more voters than ever already think it is too hard to get an abortion in this country, but even more still think it's too easy to get one.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters consider themselves pro-choice when it comes to the issue of abortion, just below the record high of 54% reached in November. Forty percent (40%) say they are pro-life, up from January’s low of 36%. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leader board.

(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 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.