Government

reportAug 11, 2009

Budget Woes Take Toll on Views of State Governments

Overview With the economy wreaking havoc on state budgets, the favorability ratings of state governments have declined from a year ago. Overall, 50% of the public now holds a favorable opinion of their state government, down from 59% in April 2008. The falloff in positive views has been greater in states with large and moderate […]
short readsAug 10, 2009

Eight Years After 9/11, Fewer See Need to Sacrifice Liberties for Safety

Only a quarter of Americans say it is necessary to give up some civil liberties to curb terrorism, down from 55% shortly after the attacks of 9/11.
reportAug 7, 2009

Public Supports Targeting Al Qaeda Leaders, Wants Congress in the Loop

Americans generally support allowing the Central Intelligence Agency to assassinate al Qaeda leaders, but opinions are more mixed about whether the CIA should have such a program without first informing Congress.
fact sheetJul 9, 2009

The Constitutional Dimensions of the Same-Sex Marriage Debate

In this research package Public Opinion on Same-Sex Marriage Slideshow: Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage Overview of Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S. Gay Marriage and the Law Religious Groups’ Official Positions on Gay Marriage Gay Marriage Around the World Graphic: State Policies on Same-Sex Marriage Q&A: Gay Marriage and the Free Exercise of Religion On […]
featureJul 9, 2009

State Policies on Same-Sex Marriage

On Nov. 18, 2003, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage following a ruling by the state’s highest court. In the years since the Massachusetts decision, five additional states have legalized gay marriage, and 29 states have amended their constitutions to ban gay marriage.
reportJun 18, 2009

Obama’s Ratings Remain High Despite Some Policy Concerns

Overview A solid majority of Americans (61%) continue to approve of Barack Obama’s job performance, although they express mixed views of several of his policies. An important positive sign for Obama is the public’s continued optimism that his policies will improve the economy – fully 65% express this view. A smaller majority (55%) is optimistic […]
transcriptJun 11, 2009

Government Partnerships With Faith-Based Organizations: Looking Back, Moving Forward

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, established by President Barack Obama, plans to expand partnerships between the government and faith-based and community organizations for the delivery of social services. What lessons can be learned from the preceding eight years of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under President George […]
reportMay 21, 2009

Court of Public Opinion Sides with Women on Empathy

Obama says empathy is one of the qualities he’ll be looking for in a new Supreme Court justice. Meantime, his White House has floated a list of possible nominees that’s stacked heavily with women. Coincidence?
transcriptMay 21, 2009

A Clash of Rights? Gay Marriage and the Free Exercise of Religion

In this research package Public Opinion on Same-Sex Marriage Slideshow: Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage Overview of Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S. Gay Marriage and the Law Religious Groups’ Official Positions on Gay Marriage Gay Marriage Around the World Graphic: State Policies on Same-Sex Marriage Q&A: Gay Marriage and the Free Exercise of Religion […]
fact sheetMay 14, 2009

Shifting Boundaries: The Establishment Clause and Government Funding of Religious Schools and Other Faith-Based Organizations

In an ongoing series of occasional reports, “Religion and the Courts: The Pillars of Church-State Law,” the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life explores the complex, fluid relationship between government and religion. Among the issues to be examined are religion in public schools, displays of religious symbols on public property, conflicts concerning the free […]