Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201451%42%4%4%14,858
200743%44%5%7%15,033
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

Views about size of government among adults who meditate at least once a week by religious group

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Buddhist35%54%4%7%186
Catholic45%49%4%3%3,024
Evangelical Protestant63%31%3%4%4,408
Historically Black Protestant26%68%3%3%1,132
Jehovah's Witness31%50%3%17%195
Jewish40%53%5%2%227
Mainline Protestant57%35%4%4%2,411
Mormon80%18%1%1%410
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")45%45%5%5%2,029
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Smaller government; fewer services, Bigger government; more services

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are ages…

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services14%30%30%27%7,893
Bigger government; more services18%35%28%19%5,479
Depends12%32%33%23%560
Don't know14%30%24%32%593
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services9%10%25%36%18%2%7,893
Bigger government; more services10%14%29%33%12%1%5,479
Depends6%13%26%39%14%2%560
Don't know6%12%26%30%22%4%593
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services50%50%8,078
Bigger government; more services38%62%5,588
Depends45%55%578
Don't know39%61%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who identify as…

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services77%8%2%10%4%7,926
Bigger government; more services39%24%4%28%4%5,522
Depends59%15%2%16%8%564
Don't know62%14%2%14%7%583
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services9%9%83%7,997
Bigger government; more services28%10%61%5,494
Depends15%9%76%572
Don't know17%7%76%600
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who have a household income of…

Views about size of governmentLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Smaller government; fewer services29%22%30%19%6,967
Bigger government; more services51%18%19%12%4,920
Depends38%21%24%17%471
Don't know43%21%22%13%471
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who have completed…

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services34%36%18%11%8,034
Bigger government; more services49%26%14%11%5,550
Depends35%36%17%12%574
Don't know43%35%12%10%609
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%5%13%9%17%8,036
Bigger government; more services42%8%18%9%24%5,561
Depends49%9%14%11%17%569
Don't know49%5%14%15%18%601
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services25%75%8,049
Bigger government; more services31%69%5,567
Depends25%75%573
Don't know24%76%609
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say they…

Views about size of governmentBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Smaller government; fewer services81%12%2%1%3%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services70%19%4%1%5%1%5,588
Depends70%14%4%2%6%4%578
Don't know74%14%2%2%4%3%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services71%17%5%6%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services69%17%6%7%1%5,588
Depends65%17%6%10%2%578
Don't know69%12%7%9%3%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who attend religious services…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services54%26%20%< 1%8,078
Bigger government; more services48%30%21%1%5,588
Depends45%28%26%2%578
Don't know48%22%28%2%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services78%11%2%9%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services73%13%3%10%1%5,588
Depends74%11%2%12%2%578
Don't know77%8%2%10%3%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who attend prayer group…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services41%10%8%40%< 1%8,078
Bigger government; more services38%11%8%42%1%5,588
Depends33%11%7%47%2%578
Don't know39%7%7%44%3%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services80%10%4%5%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services77%11%5%6%1%5,588
Depends81%9%4%6%1%578
Don't know78%9%4%5%3%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services60%15%9%16%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services60%14%8%17%1%5,588
Depends61%9%8%17%5%578
Don't know61%12%7%16%5%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about size of governmentReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services49%9%34%5%2%8,078
Bigger government; more services40%12%37%9%2%5,588
Depends36%14%35%6%10%578
Don't know38%7%37%5%13%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say…

Views about size of governmentThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services48%49%2%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services26%71%1%2%5,588
Depends28%62%8%2%578
Don't know31%61%4%4%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who read scripture…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services58%9%6%26%1%8,078
Bigger government; more services53%10%6%29%1%5,588
Depends49%11%6%33%2%578
Don't know58%10%4%26%2%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say the holy scripture is…

Views about size of governmentWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services39%29%3%22%6%8,078
Bigger government; more services44%22%3%26%6%5,588
Depends23%20%7%31%19%578
Don't know32%19%9%24%16%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who …in heaven

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services78%15%7%8,078
Bigger government; more services77%17%6%5,588
Depends62%23%15%578
Don't know71%16%14%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who …in hell

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services65%27%8%8,078
Bigger government; more services61%32%7%5,588
Depends49%34%17%578
Don't know53%34%13%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who identify as…

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services57%17%26%8,078
Bigger government; more services16%19%65%5,588
Depends16%29%55%578
Don't know19%37%44%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services53%29%13%4%8,078
Bigger government; more services28%31%35%7%5,588
Depends22%38%27%12%578
Don't know25%34%19%22%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say government aid to the poor…

Views about size of governmentDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services61%33%4%2%8,078
Bigger government; more services24%71%3%2%5,588
Depends20%53%23%4%578
Don't know25%49%10%16%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say abortion should be…

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services39%57%4%8,078
Bigger government; more services53%42%5%5,588
Depends55%33%12%578
Don't know38%44%18%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say homosexuality…

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services45%47%5%4%8,078
Bigger government; more services63%31%3%3%5,588
Depends58%25%11%6%578
Don't know45%34%8%13%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who …same-sex marriage

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services36%56%8%8,078
Bigger government; more services53%39%8%5,588
Depends51%32%17%578
Don't know40%39%21%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say…

Views about size of governmentStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services50%44%3%3%8,078
Bigger government; more services27%67%2%3%5,588
Depends15%68%10%7%578
Don't know19%57%8%15%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who meditate at least once a week by views about size of government

% of adults who meditate at least once a week who say humans…

Views about size of governmentEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services19%27%4%46%4%8,078
Bigger government; more services30%26%3%36%5%5,588
Depends27%22%9%30%11%578
Don't know18%19%12%35%15%614
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.