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 size of government among adults in the Washington, DC metro area by religious group
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who would rather have…
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Religious tradition
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
45%
51%
3%
1%
163
Evangelical Protestant
44%
51%
1%
4%
113
Historically Black Protestant
27%
71%
1%
1%
112
Mainline Protestant
58%
34%
1%
7%
153
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
39%
56%
3%
2%
232
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.
Age distribution among adults in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are ages…
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Views about size of government
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
21%
38%
26%
14%
362
Bigger government; more services
25%
40%
25%
10%
473
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are…
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Views about size of government
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
13%
14%
33%
30%
10%
< 1%
362
Bigger government; more services
10%
24%
31%
29%
6%
< 1%
473
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are…
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Views about size of government
Men
Women
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
63%
37%
375
Bigger government; more services
37%
63%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who identify as…
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Views about size of government
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
69%
14%
6%
7%
4%
370
Bigger government; more services
38%
33%
7%
17%
5%
480
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are…
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Views about size of government
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
16%
13%
71%
369
Bigger government; more services
30%
7%
63%
476
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who have a household income of…
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Views about size of government
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
13%
18%
31%
38%
334
Bigger government; more services
26%
16%
27%
31%
435
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who have completed…
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Views about size of government
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
24%
28%
29%
19%
375
Bigger government; more services
33%
23%
20%
24%
481
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are…
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Views about size of government
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
52%
6%
10%
6%
27%
374
Bigger government; more services
39%
10%
16%
4%
31%
481
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are…
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Views about size of government
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
28%
72%
375
Bigger government; more services
32%
68%
482
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 God among adults in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say they…
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Views about size of government
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
64%
18%
5%
< 1%
8%
4%
375
Bigger government; more services
54%
20%
7%
< 1%
15%
3%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say religion is…
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Views about size of government
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
49%
23%
16%
11%
1%
375
Bigger government; more services
49%
26%
10%
15%
< 1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who attend religious services…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
35%
30%
34%
< 1%
375
Bigger government; more services
29%
36%
35%
< 1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who pray…
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Views about size of government
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
45%
24%
5%
26%
< 1%
375
Bigger government; more services
47%
19%
5%
26%
2%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who attend prayer group…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
21%
9%
8%
62%
1%
375
Bigger government; more services
22%
10%
7%
60%
1%
483
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 meditation among adults in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who meditate…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
37%
12%
4%
47%
< 1%
375
Bigger government; more services
42%
15%
6%
37%
1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
55%
19%
11%
13%
1%
375
Bigger government; more services
55%
15%
14%
15%
1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
46%
22%
14%
16%
1%
375
Bigger government; more services
44%
17%
15%
23%
1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about size of government
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
33%
12%
44%
9%
3%
375
Bigger government; more services
31%
13%
37%
17%
2%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say…
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Views about size of government
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
39%
59%
2%
< 1%
375
Bigger government; more services
24%
75%
1%
< 1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who read scripture…
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Views about size of government
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
31%
11%
5%
52%
1%
375
Bigger government; more services
29%
13%
6%
51%
< 1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about size of government
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
17%
31%
6%
39%
8%
375
Bigger government; more services
29%
18%
1%
42%
9%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who …in heaven
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
68%
24%
9%
375
Bigger government; more services
68%
28%
4%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who …in hell
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Views about size of government
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
57%
37%
6%
375
Bigger government; more services
50%
45%
6%
483
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.
Party affiliation among adults in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who identify as…
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Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
57%
15%
28%
375
Bigger government; more services
9%
15%
77%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who are…
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Views about size of government
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
36%
47%
12%
5%
375
Bigger government; more services
17%
32%
44%
7%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say government aid to the poor…
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Views about size of government
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
59%
35%
5%
1%
375
Bigger government; more services
18%
77%
3%
2%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say abortion should be…
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Views about size of government
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
68%
29%
3%
375
Bigger government; more services
70%
27%
3%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say homosexuality…
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Views about size of government
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
66%
29%
3%
2%
375
Bigger government; more services
77%
19%
3%
1%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who …same-sex marriage
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Views about size of government
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
56%
39%
6%
375
Bigger government; more services
68%
25%
7%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say…
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Views about size of government
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
42%
52%
3%
3%
375
Bigger government; more services
17%
81%
1%
2%
483
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 in the Washington, DC metro area by views about size of government
% of adults in the Washington, DC metro area who say humans…
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Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services
33%
36%
4%
24%
4%
375
Bigger government; more services
43%
23%
3%
28%
2%
483
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.