The Washington Post /
Kaiser Family Foundation/
Harvard University Survey Project
1996

-- Why Don't Americans Trust The Government? --

Methodology

This survey is the second in a series from a joint project by The Washington Post, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University. The survey was designed and analyzed by all three partners and conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. Telephone interviews of 1,514 random-sample adults were conducted nationwide from November 28 through December 4, 1995. The margin error in the nationwide sample is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

The Washington Post /Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University Survey Project
1995-1996

The Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University Survey Project is a three-way partnership and an experiment in combining survey research and reporting to better inform the public. The Post, Kaiser, and Harvard jointly design and analyze surveys examining public knowledge, perceptions, and misperceptions on major issues. The Post then reports the results as well as the facts to dispel myths and correct misperceptions. We hope this project contributes to a better understanding of public knowledge on major issues facing the country, and to more effective efforts by the media to educate, inform, and engage citizens in national debates.

The first report released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, The Four Americas: Government and Social Policy Through the Eye's of America's Multi-racial and Multi-ethnic Society, expands on coverage in The Washington Post of the first survey focusing on the perspectives of different racial and ethnic groups with regard to social policy and the role of government in America. The findings show the different perceptions that America's racial and ethnic groups have of the social and economic standing of the other groups. It also shows how white American's misperceptions about the social and economic realities facing African Americans relate directly to their views and opinions on public policies and aid to minorities. Copies of this report are available through the Kaiser Family Foundation publications request line at 1-800-656-4KFF.

This second survey, released by The Washington Post on Sunday, January 28, 1996 examines public understanding, perceptions and attitudes about the role of government. It aims to shed light on why Americans are so distrustful and cynical about the federal government and its abilities to act effectively. The following is a report of the actual questions and national topline data from this survey. A full, analytical report with narrative describing the main findings from this survey will be available shortly through the Kaiser Family Foundation publications request line.

The Kaiser Family Foundation, based in Menlo Park, California, is a non-profit, independent national health care philanthropy and is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries. The Foundation's work is focused on four main areas: health policy, reproductive health, HIV policy and health and development in South Africa.

Why Don't Americans Trust The Government?

Questionnaire and National Toplines

Conducted for the Kaiser Family Foundation, Harvard University
and The Washington Post by Princeton Survey Research Associates

1.	To begin, do you think the nation's economy is getting better, getting
worse, or staying about the same?

		16	Better
		39	Worse
		43	Staying about the same		
		  2     Don't know
	        100


2.	Is your personal financial situation getting better, getting worse or
staying about the same?
		21	Getting better
		24	Getting worse
		54	Staying about the same
		  1	Don't know
		100


3.	Now I'm going to read you the names of some institutions in American
society.  Please tell me how much confidence you, yourself, have in each one --
a great deal, quite a lot, some, or very little. [First, how much confidence do
you have in.../ Next, how about . .].  (ROTATE) 

		A great deal	Quite a lot	Some	Very Little	None (VOL.)	DK
a.	The Military	32	38	22	7	*	1 =100
b.	The U.S. Supreme Court	13	26	41	16	2	2 =100
c.	The Clinton Admin.	9	16	36	33	5	1 =100
d.	Congress	4	10	41	41	3	1 =100
e.	Large business corporations	6	15	45	30	2	2 =100
f.	Medicine	24	37	27	10	1	1 =100
g.	The news media	6	14	40	37	2	1 =100
	*=Less than .5%

3h.	Generally speaking, how interested are you in politics and government: Very
interested, fairly interested, not very interested, or not interested at all?

		28	Very interested
		47	Fairly interested
		17	Not very interested
		8	Not interested at all
		  *	Don't know
		100


4.	How much of the time do you trust the government in Washington to do the
right thing?  Just about always, most of the time, or only some of the time?
		4	Just about always
		21	Most of the time 
		71	Only some of the time
		4	None of the time (VOL.)
		  *	Don't know
		100


5.	How much of the time do you trust your STATE government to do the right
thing?  Just about always, most of the time, or only some of the time?
		5	Just about always
		30	Most of the time 
		62	Only some of the time
		2	None of the time (VOL.)
		  1	Don't know
		100


6.	On another topic... Compared with 10 years ago, do you think the threat of a
major war like World War II has increased, decreased, or stayed about the
same?
		23	Increased
		41	Decreased
		33	Stayed about the same
		  3	Don't know
		100


7.	Do you think it will be best for the future of this country if we take an
active part in world affairs, or if we stay out of world affairs?
		57	Take an active part
		37	Stay out 
		  6	Don't know
		100


QUESTIONS 8 THROUGH 12 ROTATED
Now I'd like you to compare some things in this country TODAY with the way they
were 20 years ago....

8.	Compared with 20 years ago, do you think the quality of the air we breathe
TODAY is better than it was, worse, or about the same?
		18	Better
		57	Worse
		24	About the same
		  1	Don't know
		100


9.	Compared with 20 years ago, do you think the share of Americans over 65 who
live in poverty has increased, decreased or stayed about the same?
		59	Increased
		15	Decreased
		23	Stayed about the same
		  3	Don't know
		100


10.	Compared with 20 years ago, do you think the difference in income between
wealthy and middle-class Americans TODAY is wider,  not as wide, or about the
same?
		65	Wider
		11	Not as wide
		22	About the same
		  2	Don't know
		100


11.	Compared with 20 years ago, do you think children in this country TODAY are
more likely to grow up in single-parent families, less likely, or about as
likely to grow up in single-parent families?

		89	More likely
		3	Less likely
		7	About as likely
		  1	Don't know
		100


12.	Compared with 20 years ago, do you think the rate of violent crime in this
country has increased, decreased, or stayed about the same?

		91	Increased
		2	Decreased
		7	Stayed bout the same
		  *	Don't know
		100


BASED ON FORM A; n=718
13.	Now I'd like to ask you what effect, if any, you think the federal
government's programs have had in each of the areas I just asked you about.  By
federal government, I mean the government in Washington.  How do you think the
federal government's programs have affected...[INSERT ITEM/ ROTATE] ?
Have federal programs helped to make things better,  made things worse, or have
they not had much effect either way?

		Helped make things better	Made things worse	Not had much effect either way	DK
a.	The quality of the air we breathe.	44	15	38	3 =100
b.	The share of Americans over 65 who live in poverty.	23	32	39	6 =100
c.	The difference in income between wealthy and middle-class Americans.	11	49	36	4 =100
d.	The chances that children will grow up in single-parent families.	11	37	48	4 =100
e.	The rate of violent crime.	10	34	54	2 =100

 
 BASED ON FORM B; n=796
14.	Suppose the federal government put more money and effort into the areas I
just asked you about.  By federal government, I mean the government in
Washington. What effect, if any, do you think more effort and spending by the
federal government would have on...[INSERT ITEM / ROTATE ] ? Would it help
make things better, would it make things worse, or would it not have much effect 
either way?

		Helped make things better	Made things worse	Not had much effect either way	DK
a.	The quality of the air we breathe.	48	6	43	3 = 100
b.	The share of Americans over 65 who live in poverty.	55	10	32	3 = 100
c.	The difference in income between wealthy and middle-class Americans.	26	17	52	5 = 100
d.	The chances that children will grow up in single-parent families.	23	14	58	5 = 100
e.	The rate of violent crime.	44	9	43	4 =100

15.	When the government in Washington decides to solve a problem, how much
confidence do you have that the problem will actually be solved a lot, some,
just a little, or none at all?
		4	A lot
		35	Some
		38	Just a little
		23	None at all
		  *	Don't know
		100


16.	On another topic... During the past three years, do you think the size of
the annual federal budget deficit has increased, decreased, or stayed about the
same?
		69	Increased
		10	Decreased
		19	Stayed about the same
		  2	Don't know
		100


BASED ON FORM B; n=796
17.	In order to lower the federal budget deficit, in which of the following
areas, if any, do you think future government spending should be reduced?
[First,]  do you think federal spending for...[INSERT ITEM. ROTATE START]
should be reduced, or not? 

		Yes, should be reduced	No, should not be reduced	DK
a.	The environment	26	71	3 = 100
b.	Foreign aid	81	18	1 = 100
c.	Defense	41	57	2 = 100
d.	Medicare, which is the government program for the elderly	15	84	1 = 100
e.	Welfare, or public assistance for poor people	47	51	2 = 100

Now I have some questions about politics and the government.  Not everyone will
have heard about all the issues and people I'm asking about.  Please answer
each question to the best or your knowledge, but if you're not sure about an
answer, just say so.


18.	Can you tell me which party, the Democrats or the Republicans, has the most
members in...?  (ROTATE)

		Democrats	Republicans	NS
a.	The U.S. House of Representatives	11	61	28 = 100
b.	The U.S. Senate	11	62	27 = 100

19.	As far as you know, is there a limit on the number of terms in office a
president of the United States can serve, or not? 
		81	Yes
		11	No
		  8	Not Sure
		100


20.	How many years is a single term in office for a U.S. Senator?
		26	Correct answer (six years)
		42	Incorrect answer
		 32	Not sure
		100


21.	At the national level, would you say that one of the major political
parties is more conservative than the other major party, or not?  


22.	Which party do you think is more conservative... (ROTATE) the
Republican Party or the Democratic Party? 
		70	Yes
				17	The Democratic Party
				52	The Republican Party
				1	Not sure
			
		18	No
		 12	Not sure
		100


23.	Can you tell me who was President when the Watergate scandal took place?
		86	Correct answer (Richard Nixon, Nixon)
		4	Incorrect answer
		 10	Not sure
		100


24.	Now I'd like to ask if you happen to know the names of some people who now
hold different titles.  Can you tell me the name of the
current...(ROTATE) ?

		Correct Answer[1]	Incorrect Answer	NS
a.	Majority leader of the U.S. Senate	34	10	56 = 100
b.	Vice President of the United States	60	4	36 = 100
c.	Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives	53	4	43 = 100
d.	The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court	6	8	86 = 100

25.	I'm going to read you some major legislation that the Congress in
Washington has debated over the last three years.  As I read each one, please
tell me whether you think it was passed by Congress, or not. [First/Next, how
about. .(ROTATE)]

		Passed	Not passed	NS
a.	Legislation providing for a national health insurance plan.	20	67	13 = 100
b.	Legislation limiting the number of terms members of Congress can serve	24	55	21 = 100
c.	Legislation providing for family leaves that require businesses to give employees time off after the birth of a child or for an illness in the family.	79	9	12 = 100

26.	Can you tell me which party -- the Democrats or the Republicans -- favors
making greater reductions in future Medicare and Medicaid spending?
		15	Democrats
		69	Republicans
		 16	Not sure
		100


27.	As far as you know, is more of the federal budget now spent on Medicare, or
is more spent on foreign aid?
		27	Medicare
		58	Foreign aid
		  15	Not sure 
		100


28.	During the past three years, do you think the number of people employed by
the federal government has increased, decreased, or stayed about the same?
		34	Increased
		28	Decreased
		35	Stayed about the same
		  3	Not sure 
		100


29.	As far as you know, who has the FINAL responsibility to decide if a law is
constitutional or not?  Is it...?(ROTATE)
		24	The President
		19	The Congress
		54	The Supreme Court
	     *	Other (VOL.)
		  3	Not sure
		100


BASED ON FORM A; n=718
30.	[Earlier in this interview, you said you could trust the government in
Washington (just about always/most of the time/only some of the time/none of
the time)]   What is the MAIN reason you [often / sometimes] don't trust the
federal government?  (OPEN-END)

35	Honesty/integrity (net)
	9	Lack of honesty/distrust politicians
	7	Promises are made and not kept/politicians lie all the time
	5	Politicians don't give all the facts/withhold information
	6	Politicians are corrupt/crooked/cheats
	1	Lack of morality
	0	A/O Honesty/integrity mentions
6	Special interest groups (net)
	4	Lobbyists/lobbyists have too much power
	4	Politicians work on behalf of special interestgroups/interest groups have too much power
	0	A/O Special interest groups mentions
28	Public interest (net)
	0	Politicians don't represent the interest of the people
	2	Politicians don't listen to the public
	1	Politicians don't care about the middle class
	3	Politicians are influenced by money/campaign funders/favor the rich
	6	Disagree with their decisions/judgements
	0	A/O Public interest mentions
24	Self interest (net)
	33	Politicians are concerned with themselves/ only interest in being re-elected
	1	Politicians are only concerned with their own states
	0	A/O self interest mentions
1	Issues (net)
	1	Bosnian situation/war/we are headed to war
	2	Foreign affairs/policy
	2	Decision on Medicaid/whether or not to cut Medicaid
	1	Welfare abuse
	1	Favor capitalism/big business
	1	Taxes/tax increases
	5	A/O Issues mentions
0	Inefficient/wasteful (net)
	4	Politicians don't accomplish anything/nothing gets done
	2	Takes too long to accomplish anything
	3	Government spending/wasting money/unnecessary spending
	1	A/O Inefficient/wasteful mentions
3	Miscellaneous (net)
	2	History/the past
	1	A/O Miscellaneous mentions
1	Don't know

BASED ON FORM A; n=718
31.	People have different reasons for not trusting the government. I'm going to
read you a list of some of those reasons.  Please tell me if each one is a
major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason at all why YOU [often/sometimes ]
don't trust the federal government.  (First,) how about... (ROTATE)

		Major reason	Minor reason	Not a reason at all	DK
a.	The federal government's taxes are too high.	55	29	15	1 = 100
b.	The federal government is inefficient and wastes too much money.	80	15	4	1 = 100
c.	The policies of the federal government don't reflect your own beliefs and values.	37	42	19	2 = 100
d.	When the federal government makes a decision, it usually ends up hurting more people than it helps.	46	34	17	3 = 100
e.	The federal government interferes too much in people's lives.	41	36	21	2 = 100
f.	The problems it is trying to solve cannot be solved by the federal government.	40	37	20	3 = 100
g.	Special interests have too much influence on the federal government	65	22	10	3 = 100
h.	Elected officials lack honesty and integrity.	62	27	8	3 = 100
i.	The federal government spends too much on the wrong things.	79	16	4	1 = 100
j.	The federal government doesn't do enough to help people who really need it.	59	26	13	2 = 100

32.	[Earlier in this interview, you said you could trust the government in
Washington (just about always/most of the time/only some of the time/none of
the time)] Which of the following was most important in giving you the
impression you have of the federal government?  Was it your own personal
experience with a government agency or program, what you learned from friends
and family, or what you saw, heard or read in television, newspapers or other
media?
		18	Personal experience
		8	Friends and family
		72	TV/newspapers/other media
		  2	Don't know
		100


33.	Generally speaking, which do you trust to do a better job running
things--(ROTATE) the federal government or your state government?
		24	Federal government 
		61	State government
		11	Neither/Both equally (VOL.) 
		  4	Don't know
		100


BASED ON FORM B RESPONDENTS WHO TRUST THEIR STATE GOVERNMENT MORE THAN THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; n=476
34.	I'm going to read you a list of reasons people sometimes give for why they
trust their own state government.  For each one, please tell me if it is a
major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason at all why you feel your state
government does a better job running things than the federal government?  Your
state government ...(ROTATE)

		Major reason	Minor reason	Not a reason at all	DK
a.	Wastes less money because it is better managed.	51	30	17	2 = 100
b.	Can solve problems more quickly.	64	24	10	2 = 100
c.	Is more likely to spend money on the right things	56	31	12	1 = 100
d.	Is less dominated by special interests.	44	36	17	3 = 100
e.	Is more likely to have effective solutions to problems.	51	38	10	1 = 100
f.	Is more responsive to the needs of people.	65	26	9	* = 100
g.	Better reflects your own beliefs and values.	49	32	18	1 = 100

BASED ON FORM B RESPONDENTS WHO TRUST THEIR OWN STATE GOVERNMENT MORE THAN
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; n=476
35.	[You mentioned (READ ITEMS) as major reasons.]  Which ONE of  these
would you say is the MOST IMPORTANT REASON?
		11	Wastes less money because it is better managed.
		10	Can solve problems more quickly.
		10	Is more likely to spend money on the right things.
		10	Is less dominated by special interests.
		8	Is more likely to have effective solutions to problems.
		23	Is more responsive to the needs of people like you.
		16	Better reflects your own beliefs and values.
		7	None are major reasons
		  5	Don't know
		100


36.	Do you think the federal government threatens your own personal rights and
freedoms, or not?


37.	Is this a MAJOR threat or a MINOR threat?
		42	Yes
				20	Major
				21	Minor
				1	Don't know
		54	No 
		  4	Don't know
		100


38.	Do you think the federal government threatens your own personal financial
well-being, or not?


39.	Is this a MAJOR threat or a MINOR threat?
		52	Yes
				31	Major
				21	Minor
				*	Don't know
		44	No 
		  4	Don't know
		100

40.	Now I'm going to read you some statements that may or may not describe your
own feelings  about politics and government.  Please tell me whether you agree
or disagree with each one.  The first statement is. . . [ROTATE]  Do you
agree/disagree STRONGLY or only somewhat?

		Agree Strongly	Agree Somewhat	Disagree Somewhat	Disagree Strongly	DK
a.	I don't think public officials care much what people like me think.	40	28	23	8	1 = 100
b.	People like me don't have any say about what the government does.	29	23	28	19	1 = 100
c.	Politics and government are so complicated that a person like me can't really understand what's going on.	29	25	22	23	1 = 100
d.	Politicians tell voters what they want to hear, not what they will actually try to do if elected.	67	22	7	3	1 = 100

BASED ON RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THE NATION'S ECONOMY IS GETTING WORSE OR
STAYING THE SAME; n=1211 
41.	Earlier in this interview, you said you didn't think the nation's economy
was getting better....  What do you think is the MAIN reason why  the economy
is not getting better?  Is it mainly because of something the federal
government HAS DONE,  mainly because of something the federal government has
NOT done, or mainly for other reasons that don't have much to do with
government?

		29	Something the federal government has done 
		34	Something the federal government has not done
		30	Other reasons
		  7	Don't know
		100

BASED ON FORM A RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS MAINLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NATION'S ECONOMY NOT GETTING BETTER; n=346
42.	What is the main thing the federal government (has done/has not done) to
keep the economy from getting better? (OPEN-END)

Total				Has done	Has not done
80	Economy/policy			86	76
	10	Taxes/high taxes		11	8
	4	Taxing the rich/rich have tax breaks		3	5
	9	Effects on business		14	5
	5	Imports/Exports		7	3
	3	Welfare/controlling welfare		2	5
	12	Unemployment/loss of jobs		8	15
	4	Not helping poor people		1	5
	40	Government spending (sub-net)		50	33
		15	Foreign aid/too much spending on foreign countries	23	9
		9	National debt/not paying off national debt	8	10
		18	Too much spending/wasteful spending	20	17
		1	Military spending	3
		* 0	A/O Government spending mentions	0	0
	9	A/O Economy/policy mentions		8	10
8	Miscellaneous (net)			6	10
15	Don't know			11	18

BASED ON FORM A RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS MAINLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NATION'S ECONOMY NOT GETTING BETTER; n=346 
43.	 I'm going to read you a list of things some people think the federal
government has done - - or has not done -- to keep the economy from getting
better.  For each one, please tell me if you think it is a major reason the
economy hasn't gotten better, a minor reason, or not a reason at all?
(ROTATE)

		Major reason	Minor reason	Not a reason at all	DK
a.	They took away or reduced government benefits people used to receive.	35	39	24	2 = 100
b.	They raised taxes.	56	31	12	1 = 100
c.	They didn't reduce the federal budget deficit fast enough.	67	26	6	1 = 100
d.	They did too much for the poor and minorities.	23	39	36	2 = 100
e.	They did too much for the wealthy.	60	22	17	1 = 100
f.	Government regulations hurt the economy.	51	40	7	2 = 100
g.	They didn't do enough to keep jobs from going overseas.	70	18	10	2 = 100
h.	They didn't do enough to make the economy grow.	62	28	10	* = 100
i.	They didn't tax the wealthy enough and use the money to help people who needed it.	60	23	15	2 = 100
j.	They didn't do enough to create new and better jobs.	68	22	10	* = 100

BASED ON RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THEIR PERSONAL FINANCIAL SITUATION IS GETTING
WORSE OR STAYING THE SAME; n=1177 
44.	Earlier in this interview, you said your personal financial situation was
not getting better. What do you think is the MAIN reason that your financial
situation is not getting better?  Do you think it is mainly because of
something the federal government HAS DONE, mainly because of something the
federal government has NOT done, or mainly for other reasons that don't have
much to do with government?

		23	Something the federal government has done
		17	Something the federal government has not done
		54	Other reasons
		  6	Don't know
		100

BASED ON FORM B RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS MAINLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PERSONAL FINANCIAL SITUATION NOT GETTING BETTER;
n=257
45.	What is the main thing the federal government (has done/has not done) to
keep your personal financial situation from getting better? (OPEN-END)

Total				Has done	Has not done
85	Economy/policy (net)
	8	High cost of living		8	9
	2	High inflation		2	1
	3	Interest rates too low		4	2
	5	Unemployment/lost jobs		3	7
	5	Jobs have gone out of U.S./NAFTA treaty		5	6
	4	Create job security/ maintain employment		3	6
	23	Tax Increases/taxes are too high/raise in taxes		31	13
	3	Tax change/tax structure		5	0
	4	Minimum wage is too low		3	5
	5	Lack of educational support/Cut funding for education		2	10
	3	Slow economy (unspecified)		3	2
	3	Caps on wages/wage freeze		2	3
	2	Haven't helped the middle class		3	1
	4	Health insurance/made health care affordable		3	5
	3	Bureaucratic/too much red-tape		2	3
	28	Government spending (sub-net)		27	30
		14	More Spending (sub-net)	13	15
		4	Too much foreign aid	4	3
		6	Too much debt/deficit is too big	5	7
		2	Spending on welfare/haven't cut welfare	2	2
		6	A/O Government spending mentions	6	5
		1	A/O Economy/policy mentions	2	1
1	Miscellaneous (net)			1	0
15	Don't know			13	17

BASED ON FORM B RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS MAINLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PERSONAL FINANCIAL SITUATION NOT GETTING BETTER;
n=257
46.	I'm going to read you a list of things that some people say the federal
government has done -- or has not done -- to keep their financial situation
from getting better.  For each one, please tell me if you think it is a major
reason your financial situation hasn't gotten better, a minor reason, or not a
reason at all? (ROTATE)

		reason	reason	reason at all	DK
a.	They took away or reduced government benefits you used to receive.	27	21	51	1 =100
b.	They raised your taxes.	66	25	9	* =100
c.	They didn't reduce the federal budget deficit fast enough	51	29	19	1 =100
d.	You lost out because the federal government	21	33	44	2 =100
e.	You lost out because the federal government did too much for the wealthy.	44	30	24	2 =100
f.	Government regulations kept you from getting ahead.	34	34	31	1 =100
g.	They didn't do enough to keep jobs from going overseas.	53	23	22	2 =100
h.	They didn't do enough to make the economy grow.	47	35	15	3 =100
i.	They didn't tax the wealthy enough and use the money to help people like you who needed it.	41	32	25	2 =100
j.	They didn't do enough to create new and better jobs.	51	28	20	1 =100

47.	Now I have some more questions about how things are going in your own
life...  What is your employment status? Are you employed for pay full-time,
part-time, retired, or not employed for pay? 

		52	Full-time 
		14	Part-time 
		18	Retired 
		12	Not employed
		2	Disabled (VOL.) 
		1	Student (VOL.)
		  1	Don't know 
		100


47a.	Given the chance, would you like to work full-time, or do you prefer to
work part-time?

		7	Would prefer full-time
		7	Prefer part-time
		86	Not applicable 
		  0	Don't know
		100

BASED ONLY ON RESPONDENTS WHO WORK PART-TIME; n=196

		48	Would prefer full-time
		52	Prefer part-time
		  0	Don't know
		100
	

48.	How worried are you, if at all, that you might lose your job during the
next two years?  Would you say you are very worried, somewhat worried, not too
worried, or not worried at all?

		6	Very worried
		12	Somewhat worried
		16	Not too worried
		32	Not worried at all
		34	Not currently working
		  *	Don't know


49.	Has there been any time in the past two years when you were
unemployed, but wanted to work? 

		15	Yes		
		51	No
		34	Not currently working
		  *	Don't know
		100


50.	Do you feel very confident, only fairly confident, or not at all confident
that life for our children will be better than it has been for us?

		10	Very confident
		34	Fairly confident
		54	Not at all confident
		  2	Don't know
		100


51.	Have you ever been a victim of a violent crime involving a physical assault
or robbery of you personally?  

		19	Yes 
		81	No
		  *	Don't know
		100


52.	Have you ever been a victim of a property crime involving theft or burglary
of your money or property?

		47	Yes
		53	No
		  *	Don't know
		100


53.	How worried are you, if at all, that you might become a victim of violent
crime during the coming year? Would you say you are very worried, somewhat
worried, not too worried or not worried at all?

		14	Very worried
		34	Somewhat worried
		33	Not too worried
		19	Not worried at all
		  *	Don't know
		100


54.	Now I have some more general questions . . .  Do you think most people
would try to take advantage of you if they got a chance, or would they try to
be fair?


55.	Do you feel strongly about that, or not?

		48	Would take advantage
				39	Feel strongly
				9	Do not feel strongly
				*	Don't know
		50	Would try to be fair
				36	Feel strongly
				13	Do not feel strongly
				1	Don't know
		  2	Don't know
		100


56.	Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted or that
you can't be too careful in dealing with people? 


57.	Do you feel strongly about that, or not?

		35	Most people can be trusted
				28	Feel strongly
				7	Do not feel strongly
				*	Don't know
		63	Can't be too careful
				54	Feel strongly
				9	Do not feel strongly
				*	Don't know
		  2	Don't know


58.	Would you say that most of the time people try to be helpful, or that
they are mostly just looking out for themselves?


59.	Do you feel strongly about that, or not?

		49	Try to be helpful
				38	Feel strongly
				11	Do not feel strongly
				*	Don't know
		48	Looking out for themselves
				39	Feel strongly
				9	Do not feel strongly
				*	Don't know
		  3	Don't know
		100


60.	Where do you usually get MOST of your news and information about national
politics and government?  Is it from:  Television, radio, newspapers, news
magazines like Time and Newsweek, from family, friends or co-workers, or
someplace else? 

		58	Television
		8	Radio
		24	Newspapers
		3	News magazines
		1	Family
		2	Friends or co-workers
		3	Someplace else
		  1	Don't know
		100


61.	In a typical week, on how many days, if any, do you read a daily
newspaper?
	
		13	One day
		9	Two days
		10	Three days
		5	Four days
		6	Five days
		3	Six days
		43	Seven days
		11	None
		  *	Don't know


62.	How much attention do you usually pay to news about politics and
government in the newspaper?  A great deal, quite a lot, some, or not much at
all?

		13	A great deal
		22	Quite a lot
		38	Some
		16	Not much at all
		11	Non-newspaper readers
		  *	Don't know
		100


63.	Last month,  how often did you read a weekly news magazine such as Time,
Newsweek, U.S. News or some other news magazine:  Every week, two or three
times,  once or not at all?

		12	Every week
		14	Two or three times
		20	Once
		54	Not at all 
		  *	Don't know
		100


64.	On a typical weekday, about how many hours do you personally watch
television?

		19	One hour or less				
		25	Two hours
		19	Three hours	
		14	Four hours
		16	Five to nine hours
		6	Ten hours or more
		  1	Don't know
		100


65.	In a typical week, on how many days, if any, do you watch national network
TV news on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS or CNN? 

		5	One day
		8	Two days
		8	Three days
		8	Four days
		15	Five days
		5	Six days
		42	Seven days
		8	None 
		  1	Don't know
		100


66.	How much attention do you usually pay to news about politics and government
on national network TV news?  A great deal, quite a lot, some, or not much at
all?

		18	A great deal
		25	Quite a lot
		37	Some
		11	Not much at all
		9	Non-network TV news viewer
		  *	Don't know
		100


67.	On a typical day, about how many hours do you listen to talk radio shows
that invite listeners to call in to discuss current events, public issues and
politics?

		72	None[2]
		13	One hour
		6	Two hours
		6	Three or more hours		
		  3	Don't know
		100


68.	How often, if ever, do you listen to Rush Limbaugh's RADIO program
regularly, sometimes, hardly ever or never?

		6	Regularly
		12	Sometimes
		16	Hardly ever
		66	Never
		  *	Don't know
		100


THERE IS NO QUESTION 69

70.	Do you regularly attend or participate in a civic organization or service
club, like the Chamber of Commerce, The Kiwanis Club, or the PTA?

		20	Yes, attend or participate
		80	No, do not
		  *	Don't know
		100


71.	How often do you feel you don't have enough time to get everything done you
really need to do?  Do you feel this way all the time, most of the time, some
of the time, every once in a while, or never?

		26	All the time
		26	Most of the time
		28	Some of the time
		15	Every once in a while
		5	Never
		  *	Don't know
	100


72.	How many years have you lived in your present community or city?

		12	Two years or less
		11	Three to five years
		14	Six to ten years
		18	Eleven to twenty years
		17	Twenty-one to thirty years
		28	More than 30 years
		  *	Don't Know
		100


73.	Are you now married, living as married, widowed, divorced, separated, or
have you never been married?

		56	Married
		3	Living as married
		8	Widowed
		11	Divorced
		3	Separated
		19	Never married
		  *	Don't know
		100


74.	Have you ever been divorced?

		26	Yes, have been divorced/are divorced
		74	No, never been divorced/Never married
		  *	Don't know
		100


75.	Did you grow up in a family in which your parents were divorced?


76.	Did you grow up in a family in which your parents never married?

		20	Yes, parents divorced
		2	Yes, parents never married			
		78	No, neither
		  *	Don't know
		100


77.	Do you have any children who are under the age of 18?   

		38	Yes
		62	No
		  *	Don't know
		100


78.	What is your religious preference?  Are you Protestant,  Roman Catholic,
Jewish, or some other religion? 


79.	Do you consider yourself a Christian?


80.	Would you describe yourself as a born-again or evangelical Christian, or
not?

		60	Protestant/Christian
				34	Evangelical
				24	Non-Evangelical
				2	Don't know
		27	Roman Catholic
		2	Jewish
		6	Other religion
		5	No religion (VOL.)
		 *	Don't know
		 *	Refused
	       100


81.	In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat or
Independent?

		29	Republican
		32	Democrat
		34	Independent
		  5	All others
	       100


82.	As of today, do you LEAN more to the Republican Party or the Democratic
Party?

		41	Republican/Lean Republican
		45	Democrat/Lean Democrat
		 14	All others
	       100


83.	Are you NOW registered to vote in your precinct or election district, or
haven't you had a chance to register yet?

		77	Yes
		22	No
		1	Don't have to register (VOL.)
		  *	Don't know
		100


84.	Thinking back to the 1992 Presidential election, when Clinton ran against
Bush and Perot, did things come up that kept you from voting, or did you happen
to vote?


85.	Did you vote for Clinton, Bush or Perot?

		73	Yes, voted
				31	Clinton
				25	Bush
				11	Perot
				1	Other candidate (VOL.)
				1	Don't remember / Not sure
				4	Refused
		26	No, did not vote/Too young (VOL.)
		1	Don't remember / Not sure
		  *	Refused
	       100


86.	Did you happen to vote in the 1994 election for U.S. Congress, or didn't
you get a chance to vote?  


87.	Did you vote for the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate for
Congress in your district?

		45	Yes, voted
				21	Democratic candidate 
				20	Republican candidate
				*	Other candidate (VOL.)
				3	Don't remember / Not sure
				1	Refused
		51	No, did not vote
		4	Don't remember / Not sure
		  *	Refused
	       100


88.	Would you say your views in most political matters are very liberal,
somewhat liberal, moderate, somewhat conservative, or very conservative?

		6	Very liberal
		19	Somewhat liberal
		32	Moderate
		27	Somewhat conservative
		12	Very conservative
		  4	Don't know
		100


89.	What is the last grade or class that you COMPLETED in school? 

		5	None, or grade 1 to 8
		12	High school incomplete (grade 9-11)
		36	High School graduate
		2	Business, technical or vocational school after high school
		23	Some college, but no four-year degree
		14	College graduate, four-year degree
		8	Post-graduate or professional schooling after college
		  *	Don't know
		100


90.	How old are you?

		21	18-29
		44	30-49
		17	50-64
		16	65+
		0	Don't know
		  2	Refused
		100


91.	Are you of Hispanic or Latino background, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican,
Cuban, or some other Spanish background?

		5	Yes
		94	No
		0	Don't know
		  1	Refused
		100

92.	What is your race?  Are you white, black, Asian, or some other race?

		85	White
		10	Black or African-American 
		1	Asian
		3	Other/Mixed race
		*	Don't Know
		  1	Refused
		100


93.	Last year, that is in 1994, what was your total family income from all
sources, BEFORE taxes?  Just stop me when I get to the right category.

		10	Less than $10,000
		15	$10,000 to under $20,000
		18	$20,000 to under $30,000
		24	$30,000 to under $50,000
		14	$50,000 to under $75,000
		5	$75,000 to under $100,000
		4	$100,000 or more
		4	Don't know
		  6	Refused
		100


BASED ON FORM A; n=718
93A.	As you may know there was a recent shutdown of the federal government that
resulted from a budget disagreement between President Clinton and the
Republicans in Congress. Which of the following two statements comes closer to
your own view of President Clinton's role in the shutdown ? (ROTATE)

a. President Clinton was trying to gain political advantage by creating a
crisis when he could have reached a reasonable compromise with the Republicans,
OR

b. President Clinton was standing up for what he believes are important
national priorities

		36	Statement a.
		57	Statement b.
		2	Neither (VOL.)
		0	Haven't heard about (VOL.)
		  5	Don't know
		100

BASED ON FORM B; n=796
93B.	As you may know there was a recent shutdown of the federal government that
resulted from a budget disagreement between President Clinton and the
Republicans in Congress. Which of the following two statements comes closer to
your own view of the Congressional Republican's role in the shutdown ?
(ROTATE)

a. The Republicans in Congress were trying to gain political advantage by
creating a crisis when they could have reached a reasonable compromise with the
President

b. The Republicans in Congress were standing up for what they believe are
important national priorities

		52	Statement a.
		38	Statement b.
		2	Neither (VOL.)
		1	Haven't heard about (VOL.)
		  7	Don't know
		100


94.	Respondent's gender:
	
		47	Male 
		 53	Female
		100


95.	Finally, in the coming weeks, Washington Post reporters will be
calling back some survey participants to talk more about the survey topics.
Would you be willing to talk with a reporter by phone sometime in the near
future?  

		70	Yes, willing
		 30	No, not willing
		100


96.	Reporters may receive some brief background information about you and your
opinions before they call.  May  I have your name, so it will be easier for a
reporter to reach you?


Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.