Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201451%42%3%4%12,566
200741%48%4%6%12,643
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 in the South by religious group

% of adults in the South who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Catholic43%50%4%3%1,885
Evangelical Protestant64%30%3%4%4,078
Historically Black Protestant23%71%3%3%1,191
Jewish38%57%1%4%229
Mainline Protestant57%35%3%4%2,174
Mormon71%26%< 1%2%112
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")47%46%3%4%2,214
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 in the South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are ages…

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services19%34%28%20%6,618
Bigger government; more services27%35%23%14%4,794
Depends13%38%28%21%404
Don't know17%30%27%26%486
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services12%13%28%33%13%1%6,618
Bigger government; more services17%17%28%27%9%1%4,794
Depends7%14%29%33%14%2%404
Don't know9%13%25%33%18%3%486
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%44%6,758
Bigger government; more services40%60%4,877
Depends44%56%418
Don't know40%60%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who identify as…

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services80%9%1%7%3%6,667
Bigger government; more services42%30%2%23%3%4,830
Depends60%16%2%17%5%413
Don't know63%15%2%12%8%493
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services6%7%87%6,696
Bigger government; more services21%8%71%4,783
Depends15%7%78%408
Don't know13%5%82%495
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services25%21%32%22%5,925
Bigger government; more services50%19%19%12%4,289
Depends36%21%28%15%340
Don't know42%25%20%13%372
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who have completed…

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services37%34%18%10%6,715
Bigger government; more services51%27%12%10%4,848
Depends38%40%13%9%412
Don't know51%28%13%8%511
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services57%5%12%6%19%6,730
Bigger government; more services39%8%17%6%30%4,859
Depends52%7%13%12%16%415
Don't know48%5%15%13%18%502
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services29%71%6,738
Bigger government; more services32%68%4,855
Depends27%73%416
Don't know24%76%505
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 in the South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services73%15%3%< 1%6%2%6,758
Bigger government; more services68%18%4%1%8%1%4,877
Depends68%14%6%2%6%4%418
Don't know70%15%4%2%5%4%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services62%22%8%8%1%6,758
Bigger government; more services62%21%8%8%< 1%4,877
Depends64%19%8%8%1%418
Don't know66%18%5%9%3%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services43%32%24%< 1%6,758
Bigger government; more services40%34%26%< 1%4,877
Depends41%29%29%2%418
Don't know36%27%32%4%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services64%15%5%16%1%6,758
Bigger government; more services61%16%5%18%1%4,877
Depends70%11%3%14%1%418
Don't know65%12%4%16%4%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services31%10%9%50%1%6,758
Bigger government; more services30%11%9%49%1%4,877
Depends28%9%8%53%1%418
Don't know28%7%9%54%2%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who meditate…

Views about size of governmentAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services42%7%4%45%2%6,758
Bigger government; more services45%9%4%40%1%4,877
Depends53%9%2%33%2%418
Don't know46%7%3%38%7%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services65%14%8%12%1%6,758
Bigger government; more services62%14%9%14%1%4,877
Depends69%14%7%7%3%418
Don't know65%11%7%13%4%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services46%16%12%25%2%6,758
Bigger government; more services46%15%12%26%1%4,877
Depends52%10%9%24%6%418
Don't know45%12%13%27%4%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services43%8%41%5%2%6,758
Bigger government; more services36%10%42%10%1%4,877
Depends37%9%41%3%10%418
Don't know35%7%41%7%9%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services46%52%2%1%6,758
Bigger government; more services25%73%1%1%4,877
Depends28%62%9%1%418
Don't know29%64%3%3%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services46%11%8%35%1%6,758
Bigger government; more services42%12%8%38%1%4,877
Depends44%10%9%35%2%418
Don't know44%13%6%33%3%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services36%29%3%26%6%6,758
Bigger government; more services43%23%2%27%6%4,877
Depends31%14%8%28%18%418
Don't know34%19%8%25%14%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who …in heaven

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services77%16%7%6,758
Bigger government; more services77%17%5%4,877
Depends75%15%10%418
Don't know70%12%18%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who …in hell

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services67%25%7%6,758
Bigger government; more services64%30%6%4,877
Depends59%27%14%418
Don't know58%24%17%513
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 in the South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who identify as…

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services61%15%23%6,758
Bigger government; more services19%18%63%4,877
Depends20%30%49%418
Don't know20%37%43%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services53%32%11%5%6,758
Bigger government; more services27%32%33%7%4,877
Depends22%37%24%18%418
Don't know25%32%18%25%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services66%29%3%2%6,758
Bigger government; more services26%69%3%2%4,877
Depends26%49%21%3%418
Don't know31%48%10%11%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who say abortion should be…

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services43%53%4%6,758
Bigger government; more services54%42%4%4,877
Depends48%38%13%418
Don't know45%40%15%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who say homosexuality…

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services48%45%5%3%6,758
Bigger government; more services64%30%3%3%4,877
Depends56%24%13%8%418
Don't know44%34%8%14%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South who …same-sex marriage

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services38%54%7%6,758
Bigger government; more services55%38%7%4,877
Depends44%32%24%418
Don't know41%40%19%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services51%44%2%2%6,758
Bigger government; more services29%66%2%3%4,877
Depends19%60%10%11%418
Don't know26%54%7%12%513
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 South by views about size of government

% of adults in the South 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 services23%27%3%43%4%6,758
Bigger government; more services31%27%3%35%4%4,877
Depends25%24%8%33%9%418
Don't know25%19%8%32%16%513
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.