Politics

60% Put Checks and Balances Ahead of Government Efficiency

Politicians are often frustrated by the system of checks and balances built into American government, but voters continue to strongly support that protection.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is more important to preserve our constitutional system of checks and balances than it is for government to operate efficiently. Twenty-eight percent (28%) place more importance on efficiency, while 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 July 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.

53% Believe Boston Bombing Suspect May Receive Death Penalty

Accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev pleaded “not guilty” last week to 30 charges stemming from the April 15 terrorist attack and subsequent manhunt that left four people dead and more than 260 injured. Most Americans continue to favor the death penalty for Tsarnaev if he is convicted, but slightly fewer adults believe this punishment is likely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 59% of American Adults believe the Boston Marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if he is convicted. Twenty-two percent (22%) do not think Tsarnaev should get the death penalty, while nearly as many (19%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

44% Favor Ending Senate Filibuster, 38% Oppose

Voters narrowly favor changing the rules in the U.S. Senate to end the filibuster, and half think every presidential nominee should get a straight up-or-down vote in the Senate.

In the Senate, a filibuster can prevent a vote from taking place unless 60 senators override it. Some Democrats want to change the Senate results so that a vote must be held whenever a majority of senators agrees, effectively eliminating the filibuster, and 44% of Likely U.S. Voters think that’s a good idea. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% oppose changing the rules to eliminate the filibuster. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

8% Think Applicant’s Word Is Enough When Seeking Federal Health Insurance Subsidies

The Obama administration has temporarily made it easier for low-income Americans to qualify for health insurance subsidies under the president’s new health care law, but voters overwhelmingly believe that trusting the applicant’s word is not enough.

The health care law provides subsidies for low-income Americans who don’t have access to health insurance from their employer, and 86% of Likely U.S. Voters think these individuals should be forced to prove they are eligible by documenting their income and their lack of access to insurance. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only eight percent (8%) believe it should simply be assumed that all applicants are giving honest information on their applications. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

56% Favor Delaying Individual Health Care Mandate, 26% Opposed

Now that President Obama has delayed implementation of the employer mandate portion of his new national health care law, most voters think he also should delay the requirement that every American buy or obtain health insurance.

Only 35% of Likely U.S. Voters favor the individual mandate anyway, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-six percent (56%) oppose the law’s requirement that every American obtain health insurance or else be forced to pay fines. (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 July 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.

39% Favor Reform Plan That Cuts Future Illegal Immigration by Just 50%

The Congressional Budget Office estimated last week that the immigration reform plan now before Congress would stop the flow of future illegal immigrants by no more than 50%, and voters don’t think that’s enough.  Support for the plan has fallen, but it falls even more dramatically when the 50% figure is attached.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 50% of Likely U.S. Voters now favor a plan to give legal status to those here illegally even if the border is really secured to prevent future immigration.  That’s down from 60% less than three weeks ago despite the U.S. Senate’s passage of the measure since then.  Thirty percent (30%) are opposed, and 19% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

32% Are Conservative on Both Fiscal, Social Issues

More voters than ever now identify themselves as conservative on both money and social issues.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely Voters identify themselves as conservative on fiscal issues such as taxes, government spending and business regulation. Just 18% are liberal in this area, while 32% 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 July 2, 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.

46% Are Pro-Choice, 43% Pro-Life

With Texas and Wisconsin the latest states to attempt limits on abortion, fewer voters than ever are calling themselves pro-choice, and the gap between pro-choice and pro-life voters is the narrowest yet.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters now consider themselves pro-choice, the lowest finding in three years of regular surveying. Forty-three percent (43%) say they are pro-life, matching the highest finding to date. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 5, 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% of Obama Supporters Think Gov't Should Closely Watch Most Tea Party Groups

Voters think most radical Muslim groups in this country should be under close surveillance by the government as possible terrorist threats but are a lot less suspicious of Tea Party groups. President Obama’s supporters, however, feel similarly about monitoring both groups. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most radical Muslim groups in America should be monitored by the government as potential terrorists. Just 14% think most Tea Party groups should be monitored by the government as possible terror threats. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 5, 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.

Most Voters Still Favor Employer Sanctions, Police Checks to Fight Illegal Immigration

Most voters continue to favor stronger border control over legalizing the illegal immigrants already here. They also remain strongly supportive of tough sanctions on employers who hire these illegal immigrants and of automatic immigration checks during routine police traffic stops. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe gaining control of the border is more important when it comes to immigration reform. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 34% consider legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States more important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 2, 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. 

73% Oppose U.S. Involvement in Egypt

Despite the growing political chaos in Egypt, U.S. voters remain adamant that the United States should not get involved.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 73% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the United States should leave the situation in Egypt alone. Just 10% think America should get more involved. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

52% Think It’s Good NSA Domestic Spying Was Exposed, 23% Disagree

Most voters think it’s good that Edward Snowden revealed the National Security Agency’s secret domestic surveillance program, but they’re still not sure if he’s a hero or a villain.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is good for the nation that the American people know more about the NSA surveillance program. Just 23% feel it’s bad for the country, but 25% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 2, 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% View Too-Powerful Government As Bigger Threat Than Weaker One

More Americans than ever (63%) think a government that is too powerful is a bigger danger in the world today than one that is not powerful enough. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 21% disagree and think a government that is not powerful enough is a bigger danger. Seventeen percent (17%) 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 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. 

56% Think Constitution Should Be Left Alone

Most Americans continue to believe the U.S. Constitution should be left as is and remain the nation’s fundamental law. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults think the Constitution should be left alone. Thirty-three percent (33%) believe minor changes are needed in the nation's foundational document. Just four percent (4%) feel major changes are necessary. Two percent (2%) think the United States should scrap the Constitution completely and start over. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on June 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. 

For Voters, NSA Case is Less of A Scandal but More of A Problem

Of the four major controversies now swirling around the Obama administration, the National Security Agency’s secret surveillance of the phone and e-mail traffic of millions of Americans is the one voters least consider a serious scandal. But as controversies go, they rate it slightly ahead of the others as a problem for the administration.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters consider both the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative organizations and the White House’s explanation of what happened when the U.S. ambassador was killed in Benghazi, Libya last year as serious scandals. That’s unchanged from six weeks ago.

Twenty-five percent (25%) view the IRS matter as an embarrassing situation but not a scandal, while 19% say it’s not big deal. Similarly, 23% consider the Benghazi affair to be an embarrassing situation but not a scandal. Seventeen percent (17%) see it as no big deal. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 30-July 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.

51% Think All EPA Regulations Need Congressional Approval

The Environmental Protection Agency sent a revised greenhouse gas emissions rule straight to the White House  yesterday, but most voters now think regulations like this should travel through Capitol Hill first.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters believe EPA regulations should require congressional approval before they can be implemented. That's up eight points from 43% in late December. Only 28% disagree, while nearly as many (21%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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

58% Expect Obama’s New EPA Regulations to Increase Energy Costs

Nearly half of U.S. voters like the idea of putting tighter environmental controls on new and existing power plants, but just as many think President Obama’s proposed regulations to do that will hurt the economy. Most expect those regulations to drive up energy costs. 

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters favor new environmental regulations to place stricter limits on carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing power plants, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty-four percent (34%) oppose these new regulations. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

43% Think NSA Domestic Spying Put National Security Ahead of Individual Rights

President Obama, former Vice President Dick Cheney and others have defended the National Security Agency’s surveillance of Americans’ phone and e-mail communications as necessary for national security. But voters think they should have been more concerned about individual rights.

Some say there is a natural tension between national security and protecting individual rights, but a plurality (43%) of Likely U.S. Voters believes government officials have worried too much about national security at the expense of those rights in the NSA surveillance program. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% feel officials have worried too much about protecting individual rights. Thirty percent (30%) think the balance is about right. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 24-25, 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 37% Think Immigration Plan Likely to Become Law This Year

The U.S. Senate is expected as early as today to pass an immigration reform plan that opens the way to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, but few voters think the plan ultimately will become a reality.  Just 37% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is at least somewhat likely the immigration plan will pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives and be signed by President Obama this year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% say it’s unlikely the plan will become law. This includes 12% who say it’s Very Likely to pass and 15% who view it as Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

26% of Obama Supporters View Tea Party as Nation’s Top Terror Threat

Half of all voters consider radical Muslims the bigger terrorist threat facing the nation, but supporters of President Obama consider the Tea Party to be as big a danger. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters consider radical Muslims to be the bigger threat to the United States today. Thirteen percent (13%) view the Tea Party that way, and another 13% consider other political and religious extremists to be the larger danger. Six percent (6%) point to local militia groups. Two percent (2%) see the Occupy Wall Street movement as the bigger terrorist threat. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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