Lifestyle

Voters to Government: Keep Your Hands Off My Property

Americans strongly oppose the practice of eminent domain that allows government to seize private property for public use. Perhaps in large part that’s because they don’t trust government in general.

Just 15% of Americans Adults favor eminent domain, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Sixty-six percent (66%) oppose the law that allows government to seize an individual’s land for public use including the construction of public buildings and even commercial development. Nineteen percent (19%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 2-3, 2014 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.

Americans Favor Temporary Flight Ban From Ebola-Affected Areas in Africa

Following news of the first Ebola case diagnosed in Dallas, Texas, American adults are more concerned about the virus and most favor a temporary ban on flights from African countries afflicted with the virus. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that most Americans (58%) believe the United States should impose a temporary ban on all airline flights from countries in Africa where there are confirmed cases of Ebola. Twenty-four percent (24%) don’t think there should be such a ban, while 17% more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 4-5, 2014 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.

Most Think Americans Should Be Proud of U.S. History

Most adults think their fellow Americans should be proud of the nation’s history, but most doubt that they actually know much about it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of American Adults say Americans should be proud of the history of the United States. They’ve been saying the same for over six years. Just 12% think they should be ashamed of it, while 16% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national telephone survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on September 26-27, 2014. The margin of sampling error for the survey 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.

Americans Are Concerned But Confident Health System Can Beat Enterovirus

At least four deaths in this country have now been attributed to a new strain of the severe respiratory disease known as enterovirus, and more than one-out-of-four Americans now say there are cases of it in their own state. But most are at least somewhat confident that the U.S. public health system can control the disease.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of American Adults are at least somewhat concerned personally about the threat of this new enterovirus, with 21% who are Very Concerned. Thirty-six percent (36%) don’t share that concern, but that includes only six percent (6%) who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 30-October 1, 2014 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.

Fewer Americans Know Someone Who Joined Military to Secure a Job

Most Americans still consider military service good for young people but know fewer people who have joined the military out of frustration with the job market.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of U.S. Adults now say they know someone who has joined the military because of the bad job market. That’s down from 43% a year ago and 39% in January 2012. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 26-27, 2014 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.

Will “Yes Means Yes” Mean Fewer Sexual Assaults on College Campuses?

President Obama has pledged to combat the rising number of sexual assaults at colleges and universities, and California this week became the first state to pass a “yes means yes” bill which requires affirmative consent before sexual activity on state-funded campuses. But Americans aren’t sure new codes of sexual conduct will reduce the assault problem and question whether it's something the federal government should be involved in.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 71% of American Adults consider sexual violence at colleges and universities at least a somewhat serious problem, with 32% who think its Very Serious. Fourteen percent (14%) don’t consider sexual violence on college campuses a serious problem, but that includes just two percent (2%) who say it’s Not At All Serious. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Facebook.  

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 24-25, 2014 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.

Americans Have Their Doubts About College Campus Safety

Americans continue to question whether colleges and universities do enough to protect their students, particularly when it comes to underage drinking.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 40% of American Adults believe colleges and universities do enough to provide for the safety of their students. Just as many (39%) say they do not do enough, with 21% more who are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available onFacebook.  

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 24-25, 2014 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.

Sitcoms, Dramas, News Top the List for TV Watchers

America is overwhelmingly a nation of television watchers, and regularly scheduled comedy and drama shows and the news are at the top of their viewing list.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just eight percent (8%) of American Adults say they rarely or never watch television. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Americans watch TV every day or nearly every day, although that's down from a high of 63% in 2010. Twenty-five percent (25%) watch television one or more times each week. Ten percent (10%) watch only occasionally. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Facebook.  

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 22-23, 2014 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.

Most Americans Think Current TV Rating System is Effective

Most Americans think there is too much profanity, violence and sexual content on television, but they also think the current TV rating system is effective at warning viewers about it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think there is too much adult content on television, which has remained generally unchanged since 2010. One-in-three (32%) do not think there is too much profanity, sex and violence on TV, but 11% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 22-23, 2014 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. Seemethodology.

Americans Say Buying House is Best Investment

Americans continue to say buying a home is a family’s best investment, but they are closely divided over whether now is the opportune time for someone in their area to sell their house.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone surveys finds that 53% of American Adults say that buying a home is a family's best investment. But only 37% say that now is a good time for someone in their area to sell their house, up slightly from the previous two months and consistent with findings for the past year.(To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 14-15, 2014 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.

Americans Prefer a Homemade Cheeseburger

With September 18 marking National Cheeseburger Day, Americans say they enjoy a burger that’s both homemade and with cheese on top. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 74% of American Adults prefer cheese on their burgers. One-in-four (24%) do not put cheese on their hamburger, while two percent (2%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 16-17, 2014 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.

Most Give U.S. Hospitals Positive Marks

Despite giving mixed reviews for the U.S. health care system in general, Americans have a generally positive view of hospitals in this country and the level of care they provide.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of American Adults rate the level of care in U.S. hospitals today as good or excellent. Just five percent (5%) rate it poorly. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 12-13, 2014 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.

Americans Worry Less About Ebola Threat to U.S.

Ebola may be spreading in Africa, but Americans are less concerned about the deadly disease coming to these shores than they were six weeks ago.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of American Adults remain at least somewhat concerned personally about the threat of Ebola disease, but that’s down from 58% at the beginning of August. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that nearly as many (46%) don’t share that concern, up from 38% in the earlier survey. The latest findings include 15% who are Very Concerned about the disease and 11% who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 12-13, 2014 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.

Americans Frown on Athletes As Role Models

Despite the highly publicized Ray Rice incident, Americans believe a bit more strongly than they have in the past that athletes set a good example for young people, but most still don't agree.

Just 24% of American Adults think professional athletes are good role models for young children, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But that’s up from 15% a year ago  and 17% in 2011. Fifty-seven percent (57%) still disagree, while 19% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 10-11, 2014 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.

Most Say Ray Rice Should Be Banned from Football

It’s the punch seen ‘round the world, and most Americans think Ray Rice should be banned from the NFL for throwing it.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% of American Adults believe the former Baltimore Ravens star running back should not be banned from the professional game now that the National Football League has a video of him knocking out his fiancée with a punch. Twice as many (55%) say Rice should be banned from professional football. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 10-11, 2014 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.

Bullying - School Problem or One for Parents to Deal With?

Bullying remains a serious issue for Americans, but now more are saying it's a problem for the schools, not parents, to handle.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults think bullying in schools is a bigger problem today than it was in the past, although that's down from 61% four years ago. Seventeen percent (17%) say bullying in schools is less of a problem, up from nine percent (9%) last October. For 26%, the problem is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 8-9, 2014 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.

Kershaw, Trout Favorites for Baseball MVP’s

While Major League Baseball fans remain fairly divided as to which team will win this year’s World Series they are more sure of which players will take home one of the game’s top awards.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 33% of Baseball Fans believe Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw deserves the Most Valuable Player award for the National League. Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Andrew McCutchen is in a distant second with nine percent (9%), while nearly as many (8%) say Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins deserves the honor. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 664 Baseball Fans was conducted on September 2-3, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Say Legal Authorities Need to Tackle Domestic Violence Harder

The Ray Rice saga has brought domestic violence back into the news in a big way. A sizable number of both women and men say they have been victims of such violence and question whether legal authorities are taking the problem seriously enough. (To see survey question wording, click here.) (Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 8-9, 2014 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.

Most Parents Think Winning More Important Than Just Playing the Game

An overwhelming number of Americans consider sports important in childhood development, but most parents think winning is more important than just participating in team sports. Americans also believe free play is better than organized sports activities.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 84% of American Adults think participation in sports by young people is at least somewhat important to their development, although only 36% say it is Very Important. Fourteen percent (14%) believe sports is not very or Not At All Important to a young person’s development. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 4-5, 2014 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.

Americans See Too Much Computer, Not Enough Exercise in Kids' Lives

Too much time in front of the computer makes Johnny a fat boy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 79% of American Adults think children today do not get enough exercise. That's up four points from last November. Only 12% disagree. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 4-5, 2014 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.