On most policy questions, public opinion changes slowly, if at all. But when new issues arise, important shifts can occur before opinion sorts itself into settled patterns. And, on occasion, critical events can jar opinion from settled patterns into a new equilibrium. … Public debate over a nationwide effort to […] Read more »
Americans Wary of Federal Influence on Public Schools
Americans’ trust in U.S. leaders has slipped amid partisan gridlock that has led to federal government inaction on pressing issues at home and abroad. Americans’ weak confidence in the federal government extends to issues surrounding public education. When asked to reflect on who should have the greatest influence on what […] Read more »
PDK/Gallup Poll: Try it again, uncle Sam
… A careful reading of the results of the 46th annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools confirms what the data suggested last year: A majority of Americans do not support public education initiatives that they believe were created by or promoted by federal policy makers. […] Read more »
Bigger Government Makes for More Satisfied People, International Study Finds
People living in countries with governments that spend more on social services report being more contented, according to a Baylor University study. “The effect of state intervention into the economy equals or exceeds marriage or employment status — two traditional predictors of happiness — when it comes to satisfaction,” said […] Read more »
Political Strategists See Double Edge in Raising Competency Argument in Campaigns
In the Republicans’ campaign for the grand prize of the midterm elections, control of the Senate, some party strategists say the key to winning a majority comes down to one word — competence — and voters’ perception that President Obama lacks it. Apparently that is debatable, even among Republicans. CONT. […] Read more »
Government, Economy, Immigration Are Top U.S. Problems
Americans say the government, immigration, and the economy in general are the most important problems currently facing the country. Mentions of government and the economy have been at the top of the list since the beginning of the year, while mentions of immigration rose sharply in July, in response to […] Read more »