Lifestyle

74% Know July Fourth Celebrates Adoption of the Declaration of Independence

Most Americans correctly identify the Fourth of July as the day the nation ratified the Declaration of Independence, but they cannot accurately identify one of the founding document's key provisions. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 74% of American Adults say the Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Nine percent (9%) feel Independence Day celebrates the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, but another 17% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 30-July 1, 2012 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 43% Now Believe America Is The Last Best Hope of Mankind

Americans continue to believe strongly that their nation offers them more opportunities than any other country in the world, but they’re not nearly as confident in America’s place in the world.

Just 43% of American Adults now view the United States as the last best hope of mankind, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s down from 51% who felt that way in May 2010. Thirty percent (30%) say America is not the last best hope of mankind, as Ronald Reagan famously described it, but nearly as many (27%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Americans nationwide was conducted on June 30-July 1, 2012 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.

17% Say Lance Armstrong Guilty of Using Performance Enhancing Drugs

Seven-time Tour de France winning cyclist Lance Armstrong is again facing charges that he used banned performance-enhancing substances during his improbable championship run. However, most Americans view the cyclist favorably, and a sizable number think he is not guilty of using those drugs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 17% believe Armstrong is guilty of taking illegal drugs to improve his athletic performance. Thirty-nine percent (39%) don’t think Armstrong took illegal drugs to enhance his performance, but a substantial 44% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 20-21, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

20% Say Roger Clemens Should Be Banned From Baseball Hall of Fame

Pitching great Roger Clemens was acquitted this week of charges that he lied to Congress about using performance-enhancing drugs. Americans don’t feel strongly about his guilt or innocence, but one in five believe the seven-time Cy Young winner should be banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that despite his impressive pitching record 20% of American Adults believe Clemens should be banned from the Hall of Fame. Forty-nine percent (49%) don’t think Clemens should be banned from Cooperstown, but another 31% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 20-21, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

17% Think Father’s Day Is One of America’s Most Important Holidays

Father’s Day still ranks pretty low in terms of the nation’s holidays, but Americans continue to feel strongly that being a father is the most important role a man can fill.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 17% of American Adults consider Father’s Day one of America’s most important holidays. Twenty-three percent (23%) rate it as one of the least important holidays, while 59% place it somewhere in between the two. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

This nationwide survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 14-15, 2012 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.

82% Oppose Replacing “Star-Spangled Banner” With New National Anthem

Bruce Springsteen topped the list in a recent poll asking who should write a new U.S. national anthem, but Americans feel more strongly than ever that the song we’ve got is just fine.

A new Rasmussen Reports national anthem finds that just 12% of American Adults believe the United States should change its national anthem from “The Star-Spangled Banner” to another patriotic song such as “America the Beautiful” or “God Bless America.” Eighty-two percent (82%) oppose changing the song written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and adopted officially as the U.S. national anthem in 1931. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 8-9, 2012 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% Believe Ex-Penn State Coach Guilty of Some Child Abuse Charges

The trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has just begun, but most Americans think they've already heard enough.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 69% believe Sandusky is guilty of at least some of the child sexual abuse charges against him. Just one percent (1%) don’t think he’s guilty of any of the charges, but 29% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on June 8-9, 2012 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% Expect Cure for Cancer in Next 10 Years

A new breast cancer drug known as a “smart bomb” is making headlines as the next big thing in treating the disease.  But most Americans are still not optimistic that a cure for cancer will be found in the near future.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 29%of American Adults think there will be a cancer cure in the next 10 years, unchanged from October 2009.  Forty-four percent (44%) do not think there will be a cure in the next decade, up six points from the earlier survey. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 4-5, 2012 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% View Queen Elizabeth II Favorably

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this week after serving 60 years on the throne of the United Kingdom. It’s a momentous occasion for Great Britain, in particular, and even though Americans aren’t following as closely, they still feel the royal family is an important British symbol.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of American Adults share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Queen Elizabeth, including 23% with a Very Favorable one. Just 15% view her somewhat or Not Very Favorably, while slightly more (17%) have no opinion of the long-serving monarch. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 4-5, 2012 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.

65% Say No To Ban on Super-Size Sugary Drinks

The mayor has spoken: No super-size sweetened drinks will be sold in New York City if he has his way, but most Americans oppose that idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of American Adults oppose a law that would ban the sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 ounces. Just 24% favor a law like the one Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed as a way to fight obesity. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided about it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 31-June 1, 2012 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.

84% Think It’s Difficult For Young People To Find Summer Jobs

The unemployment rate for youths is nearly three times higher than it is among all Americans nationwide.  With summer right around the corner, adults feel it’s important for young people to find work, but they are also aware that it may not be that easy. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 94% of American Adults think it’s at least somewhat important for young people to have jobs during the summer when they are out of school, including 72% who view it as Very Important.  Only five percent (5%) say it’s not very or Not At All Important for these young people to work. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 25-26, 2012 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.

74% Say Labeling Needed for Foods with Genetically Modified Ingredients

Most Americans admit they don't know much about genetically modified ingredients in food, or GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), but they think any foods that contain them should be labelled to let consumers know.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that just 25% of Adults say they know a lot about genetically modified ingredients. A plurality (46%) says they know a little about these ingredients. But 28% say they know not much or nothing at all about them. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on May 27-28, 2012 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.

38% Say Drinking Coffee Good For Health

A recent study found that drinking coffee is beneficial to your health, but many Americans already believed that to be true. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Adult Americans, in fact, think drinking coffee is good for your health, while just 18% feel it’s a bad move health wise.  Another 38% think drinking java has no impact on their health.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on May 27-28, 2012 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% Plan to Take A Summer Vacation This Year

Summer is still Americans’ favorite time to take a vacation, and the number who plan a vacation this summer is up slightly to its highest level in several years.

A new Rasmussen reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of American Adults are planning a summer vacation this year. Fifty percent (50%) are not, but six percent (6%) aren’t sure yet. (To see question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 25-26, 2012 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% Consider Memorial Day One of the Most Important Holidays

Nearly half of Americans continue to rank Memorial Day as one of the nation’s most important holidays.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just five percent (5%) of American Adults consider it one of the least important holidays, but 44% see it as somewhere in between. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 U.S. Adults was conducted on May 23-24, 2012 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% Have Close Friend or Relative Who Died Serving Country

As Americans this Memorial Day weekend remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, many adults nationwide will be remembering someone they knew personally. A sizable number also personally know someone who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 45% have a close friend or relative who has given his or her life while serving in the military. Forty percent (40%) have close friends or relatives currently serving in Afghanistan. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 23-24, 2012 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 Support Health Insurance Discounts for Healthy Lifestyles

Americans believe those who strive to live a healthy lifestyle should be rewarded for it with discounts on their health insurance. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of Adults think health insurance companies should be allowed to offer discounts to non-smokers. Just 17% disagree, while 11% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on May 21-22, 2012 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.

New High: 42% Say They Are Overweight

Forty-two percent (42%) of American adults now admit to being overweight, the highest finding yet. But most still rate their overall health positively.

This new finding is up from the previous two years, when 35% claimed to be overweight. In July 2009, 41% said the same.
 

Still, 53% say they are not overweight, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on May 21-22, 2012 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% Plan On Using All Their Vacation Time This Year

More American workers than ever plan on using all of their vacation time this year, but more are also connecting with work while they are away.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Employed Adults shows that 56% plan to use all of their vacation time this year, while 37% do not. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 558 Working Adults was conducted on May 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC.

40% Now Say Trayvon Martin Shot in Self-Defense; 24% Say It Was Murder

As evidence continues to emerge from the shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, Americans are becoming more convinced that his killer acted in self-defense and that the legal system will come to that conclusion.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of American Adults still believe the man who shot Martin should be found guilty of murder. But that’s down from 33% in late March when the case first began to draw national headlines and 30% in early April.

Forty percent (40%) now think George Zimmerman, who has been charged with second degree murder in the Martin shooting, acted in self-defense. That’s up 25 points from 15% in March and up 16 points from 24% last month. Thirty-six percent (36%) remain undecided, compared to 55% two months ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on May 19-20, 2012 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.