Lifestyle

56% Think 16 Is Too Young to Drive

Most adults think someone should be older than 16 before they are eligible for a driver's license. Most also favor annual driving tests once someone reaches the age of 75. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that four percent (4%) think someone should be allowed to get a driver’s license at age 15, while 38% feel 16 is the appropriate age. But 56% believe the eligibility age should be higher, with 20% who say 17, 32% who favor 18 and four percent (4%) who prefer 21. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 17-18, 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% Expect a Cure for Cancer In the Next 10 Years

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and only one-in-four adults think a cure is right around the corner. Over half have contributed to the fight. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 26% of American Adults think we will find a cure for cancer within the next 10 years. Forty percent (40%) do not expect a cancer cure that soon. But a sizable 34% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The national survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 15-16, 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.

77% Think Americans Are Getting Ruder

How rude! Most Americans think their fellow citizens are becoming ruder, and half say they have even confronted someone over their behavior.

Just 10% of American Adults believe those around them are becoming kinder and gentler. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 77% think their fellow Americans are becoming ruder and less civilized. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 11-12, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 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% Think School Bullying A Bigger Problem Than in the Past

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and most Americans still think bullying in schools is a bigger problem than it was in the past.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of American Adults say bullying in schools is a bigger problem today, down from 61% three years ago. Just nine percent (9%) say bullying in schools is less of a problem today, while 32% think it’s about as much of a problem as before. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

58% Think America Should Still Honor Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is widely regarded as the explorer who discovered America, immortalized for elementary school students in the rhyme, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” That line seems to have stuck with adults since most think America should still honor Columbus with a national holiday.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think we should still celebrate Columbus Day which officially falls today. One-in-four adults (26%) disagree, and 16% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 9-10, 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.

34% Would Rather Win A Nobel Than A Pulitzer, Oscar, Emmy or Grammy

Most Americans still think politics play a part in deciding the winners of Nobel Prizes, but one-in-three would rather win one than any other major award. Still, most wouldn’t jump to read a book by a Nobel Prize winner.

Just 20% of American Adults believe politics does not play a part in the awarding of Nobel Prizes, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll. Fifty-one percent (51%) disagree and thinks politics is a behind-the-scenes factor. Twenty-nine percent (29%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 9-10, 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% Plan on Getting Flu Shot This Year

Flu season is here again, and just over half of Americans plan on taking preventative measures to avoid getting sick.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults say they will get a flu shot this year, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-four percent (44%) don’t plan on getting one. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 5-6, 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.

9% Have Considered Quitting Their U.S. Citizenship

Few Americans have ever thought about giving up their U.S. citizenship, but nearly half think U.S. citizens should be able to be citizens of more than one country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only nine percent (9%) of U.S. citizens have considered giving up their American citizenship. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 29-30, 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% Think It's Too Easy To Become A U.S. Citizen

Americans strongly value being a citizen of the United States, but one-in-four thinks it's too easy these days for someone to become a citizen.

Ninety-eight percent (98%) of those contacted in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey identified themselves as citizens of the United States, and 93% said they consider it at least somewhat important to be an American citizen. The latter figure includes 79% who think it is Very Important.

Just four percent (4%) say it is not very or Not At All Important to be a U.S. citizen. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 29-30, 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.

Just 12% Think Most Americans Are Informed Voters

Most Americans consider themselves informed citizens but don’t express the same confidence in the greater U.S. population. Far fewer think their fellow citizens are informed voters.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 83% of American Adults consider themselves to be informed citizens. Just 12% admit they are not informed citizens. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 27-28, 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.

41% Look at U.S. Political News First, 30% Go Local

Americans still get most of their news from television and are most interested in what is going on nationally, with an emphasis on politics.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of American Adults say they get most of their news from TV, while 30% rely most heavily on the Internet. Just 10% count on radio for the majority of their news, and eight percent (8%) look to newspapers. One percent (1%) each get most of their news from social media or from family and friends. Two percent (2%) cite other sources. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 27-28, 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.

31% Have Had a Lost Wallet Returned to Them

Most Americans believe honesty is the best policy when they find a lost wallet or get extra change at the store but few have been on the receiving end of such honesty.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults say they have returned a lost wallet that they have found, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey.  Eighteen percent (18%) admit they have not done so, while 11% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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70% Think Americans Less Honest Than They Used To Be

Americans are a bit less trusting of each other these days.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe most of their fellow countrymen are basically honest, but that’s down from 58% in August of last year. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% think most Americans are not basically honest, while 19% are not sure. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on September 25-26, 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.

“Breaking Bad”, “Big Bang Theory” Lead Emmy Pack, But Most Won't Follow

Interest in tonight’s Primetime Emmy Awards is low among most Americans, but they do give a slight edge to an acclaimed series that is nearing the end of its run. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% of Americans are at least somewhat likely to follow the Emmy awards either on television or online, with seven percent (7%) who are Very Likely to do so. Three-out-of-four adults (74%) say it’s not likely they’ll be following the awards show, with 40% who are Not At All Likely to follow. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

40% Have Favorable Opinion of Teachers Unions

Americans are closely divided on whether it’s good or bad that most public school teachers belong to labor unions and share mixed opinions on those unions in general. But most continue to believe it’s too hard to get rid of bad teachers.

Forty percent (40%) of American Adults have a favorable opinion of teachers unions, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Forty-five percent (45%) view teachers unions unfavorably. These findings include 13% with Very Favorable opinions of teachers unions and 24% with Very Unfavorable ones. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

74% Underestimate Average Teacher Salary in U.S.

Just over half of Americans agree that teachers are paid too little, but three-out-of-four underestimate what the average teacher salary really is.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of American Adults believe public school teachers are paid too little, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 15% believe teachers are paid too much, while 26% say they are paid about the right amount. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

Only 24% Think Most Americans Consider Teaching A Desirable Profession

Most adults still feel being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the country, but even fewer consider it a desirable profession these days.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults say teaching is one of the most important jobs in the United States today. Just one-in-five (20%) disagree, but 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 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.

46% Say America Less Safe If Only Cops, Military Have Guns

Americans think the United States could use more police officers, although nearly half think the country would be less safe if the police were among the only ones carrying guns.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults believe there are not enough police officers in the United States.  Only seven percent (7%) think there are too many, while 36% feel the number of police is about right. Those who live in the suburbs feel a slightly stronger need for more police than city and rural residents. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 9-10, 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.

65% See Overeating As Bigger Problem for Americans Than Not Enough Food

Most Americans are concerned about the level of hunger in the county today, but they also agree it might be better if a few more of their fellow citizens super-sized a little less often. 

Sixty-five percent (65%) of American Adults think a bigger problem in the country today is that Americans eat too much rather than they don’t eat enough. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone finds that just 15% think it’s a bigger problem that Americans don’t eat enough. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 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.

67% Think Too Many Americans Dependent On Government

Americans continue to believe too many of their fellow citizens are dependent on the federal government for financial help, although few say they personally rely on the government.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults think there are too many in this country who are dependent on the government for financial aid, up slightly from 64% in September of last year.  Eleven percent (11%) says not enough Americans are dependent on this aid. Another 11% feel the level of dependency is about right, down from 16% a year ago.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 5-6, 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.