Political ideology among adults who say religion is not too important
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Survey year
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
2014
20%
40%
35%
6%
3,790
2007
21%
42%
31%
6%
3,114
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 say religion is not too important by religious group
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Religious tradition
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Catholic
26%
40%
30%
4%
569
Evangelical Protestant
33%
43%
20%
4%
174
Jewish
10%
31%
58%
1%
166
Mainline Protestant
27%
40%
27%
7%
596
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
17%
40%
37%
6%
1,924
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 who say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are ages…
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Political ideology
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Conservative
26%
34%
25%
15%
723
Moderate
34%
36%
20%
11%
1,472
Liberal
34%
36%
20%
10%
1,377
Don't know
35%
34%
22%
10%
171
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Political ideology
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Conservative
19%
13%
29%
29%
10%
1%
723
Moderate
20%
21%
28%
24%
6%
1%
1,472
Liberal
24%
19%
28%
24%
6%
1%
1,377
Don't know
19%
26%
24%
26%
6%
< 1%
171
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Political ideology
Men
Women
Sample size
Conservative
68%
32%
731
Moderate
60%
40%
1,493
Liberal
46%
54%
1,388
Don't know
56%
44%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…
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Political ideology
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Conservative
80%
2%
4%
11%
2%
719
Moderate
76%
5%
7%
9%
3%
1,480
Liberal
72%
6%
7%
10%
4%
1,377
Don't know
69%
4%
13%
8%
6%
173
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Political ideology
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Conservative
9%
12%
79%
726
Moderate
12%
11%
77%
1,477
Liberal
14%
15%
71%
1,374
Don't know
17%
9%
74%
169
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who have a household income of…
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Political ideology
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Conservative
26%
21%
31%
22%
643
Moderate
26%
20%
29%
25%
1,349
Liberal
26%
20%
28%
27%
1,268
Don't know
48%
14%
25%
12%
137
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who have completed…
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Political ideology
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Conservative
46%
32%
15%
7%
727
Moderate
30%
34%
22%
14%
1,491
Liberal
24%
31%
25%
19%
1,384
Don't know
45%
38%
11%
7%
173
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Political ideology
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Conservative
51%
9%
10%
3%
27%
723
Moderate
42%
9%
10%
4%
36%
1,489
Liberal
40%
10%
10%
2%
38%
1,386
Don't know
31%
10%
14%
4%
41%
174
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…
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Political ideology
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Conservative
25%
75%
729
Moderate
26%
74%
1,488
Liberal
23%
77%
1,385
Don't know
23%
77%
178
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 who say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
24%
42%
13%
1%
14%
6%
731
Moderate
19%
36%
21%
< 1%
18%
6%
1,493
Liberal
15%
31%
21%
< 1%
26%
7%
1,388
Don't know
28%
26%
22%
2%
15%
7%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend religious services…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
2%
33%
65%
< 1%
731
Moderate
2%
36%
62%
< 1%
1,493
Liberal
2%
34%
64%
< 1%
1,388
Don't know
6%
29%
64%
2%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who pray…
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Political ideology
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
16%
13%
11%
60%
1%
731
Moderate
12%
12%
11%
65%
< 1%
1,493
Liberal
12%
13%
9%
65%
< 1%
1,388
Don't know
19%
11%
12%
58%
< 1%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who attend prayer group…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
2%
2%
3%
93%
< 1%
731
Moderate
1%
2%
3%
95%
< 1%
1,493
Liberal
2%
2%
3%
93%
< 1%
1,388
Don't know
2%
2%
5%
92%
< 1%
178
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 who say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who meditate…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
18%
8%
4%
70%
1%
731
Moderate
21%
11%
7%
61%
1%
1,493
Liberal
24%
11%
6%
58%
1%
1,388
Don't know
18%
12%
3%
65%
2%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
27%
16%
15%
42%
1%
731
Moderate
32%
17%
16%
33%
1%
1,493
Liberal
35%
19%
15%
30%
1%
1,388
Don't know
26%
15%
11%
45%
4%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
34%
14%
16%
35%
1%
731
Moderate
40%
20%
15%
24%
1%
1,493
Liberal
45%
19%
16%
19%
1%
1,388
Don't know
31%
12%
17%
36%
4%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Political ideology
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
4%
11%
70%
12%
2%
731
Moderate
2%
19%
64%
14%
2%
1,493
Liberal
3%
23%
56%
18%
1%
1,388
Don't know
12%
13%
61%
13%
2%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
34%
64%
1%
1%
731
Moderate
18%
80%
1%
< 1%
1,493
Liberal
15%
84%
1%
< 1%
1,388
Don't know
20%
75%
5%
1%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who read scripture…
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Political ideology
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
5%
4%
4%
87%
< 1%
731
Moderate
4%
5%
6%
85%
< 1%
1,493
Liberal
3%
5%
6%
86%
< 1%
1,388
Don't know
6%
4%
6%
84%
< 1%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say the holy scripture is…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
7%
20%
1%
62%
10%
731
Moderate
4%
14%
< 1%
74%
7%
1,493
Liberal
3%
9%
< 1%
82%
5%
1,388
Don't know
10%
12%
1%
57%
20%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in heaven
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Political ideology
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Conservative
53%
35%
12%
731
Moderate
44%
44%
12%
1,493
Liberal
34%
56%
10%
1,388
Don't know
42%
39%
19%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in hell
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Political ideology
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Conservative
39%
51%
11%
731
Moderate
32%
59%
9%
1,493
Liberal
20%
73%
7%
1,388
Don't know
36%
46%
18%
178
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 who say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…
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Political ideology
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Conservative
65%
14%
21%
731
Moderate
32%
19%
49%
1,493
Liberal
10%
12%
79%
1,388
Don't know
17%
56%
27%
178
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 who say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who would rather have…
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Political ideology
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
78%
19%
1%
1%
731
Moderate
59%
34%
3%
4%
1,493
Liberal
29%
65%
3%
4%
1,388
Don't know
40%
42%
9%
8%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say government aid to the poor…
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Political ideology
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
65%
29%
4%
1%
731
Moderate
41%
53%
4%
2%
1,493
Liberal
21%
76%
2%
1%
1,388
Don't know
41%
44%
9%
6%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…
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Political ideology
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
64%
32%
4%
731
Moderate
81%
18%
2%
1,493
Liberal
87%
11%
2%
1,388
Don't know
62%
23%
14%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…
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Political ideology
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
69%
25%
3%
3%
731
Moderate
88%
8%
2%
2%
1,493
Liberal
90%
7%
1%
1%
1,388
Don't know
72%
11%
5%
11%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage
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Political ideology
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Conservative
57%
34%
9%
731
Moderate
84%
13%
4%
1,493
Liberal
91%
7%
2%
1,388
Don't know
67%
20%
13%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
51%
44%
2%
3%
731
Moderate
29%
67%
2%
2%
1,493
Liberal
15%
83%
1%
1%
1,388
Don't know
36%
56%
2%
7%
178
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 say religion is not too important by political ideology
% of adults who say religion is not too important who say humans…
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Political ideology
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
Conservative
55%
19%
6%
16%
3%
731
Moderate
68%
14%
5%
11%
2%
1,493
Liberal
76%
12%
4%
7%
1%
1,388
Don't know
44%
16%
10%
22%
8%
178
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.