Defying conventional wisdom about a polarized electorate, a report based on in-depth surveys of more than 80,000 Americans shows that majorities from both parties agree on nearly 150 key policy positions across more than a dozen top policy areas. The research suggests that Americans are eager for their elected representatives to cross party lines to start tackling the nation’s toughest problems.
The report, released at an event organized by two nonpartisan organizations, Common Ground Solutions and Voice of the People, is based primarily on more than 30 in-depth surveys conducted by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland.
In the surveys, respondents were given in-depth information about the policy issues and legislative proposals under consideration in Congress, and evaluated arguments for and against each policy option before coming to their conclusions. The content was reviewed by experts at both ends of the spectrum of opinion on the issues. CONT.
Program for Public Consultation, U. of Maryland