| Survey year | Smaller government; fewer services | Bigger government; more services | Depends | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 48% | 47% | 3% | 3% | 7,202 |
| 2007 | 39% | 51% | 4% | 6% | 8,054 |
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
Demographic✭Information
Age distribution among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are ages…
| Views about size of government | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 13% | 31% | 32% | 24% | 3,786 |
| Bigger government; more services | 22% | 37% | 26% | 16% | 2,839 |
| Depends | 9% | 28% | 43% | 21% | 201 |
| Don't know | 10% | 27% | 29% | 34% | 235 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by age group
Generational cohort among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are…
| Views about size of government | Younger Millennial | Older Millennial | Generation X | Baby Boomer | Silent | Greatest | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 9% | 8% | 27% | 38% | 16% | 2% | 3,786 |
| Bigger government; more services | 14% | 15% | 30% | 30% | 10% | 1% | 2,839 |
| Depends | 2% | 10% | 25% | 48% | 14% | 2% | 201 |
| Don't know | 5% | 9% | 22% | 38% | 23% | 2% | 235 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by generational group
Gender composition among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are…
| Views about size of government | Men | Women | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 51% | 49% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 42% | 58% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 44% | 56% | 207 |
| Don't know | 39% | 61% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by gender
Racial and ethnic composition among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who identify as…
| Views about size of government | White | Black | Asian | Latino | Other/Mixed | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 79% | 1% | 2% | 16% | 2% | 3,807 |
| Bigger government; more services | 38% | 4% | 4% | 52% | 2% | 2,863 |
| Depends | 56% | 3% | 1% | 36% | 4% | 203 |
| Don't know | 69% | 2% | < 1% | 25% | 4% | 240 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by race/ethnicity
Immigrant status among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are…
| Views about size of government | Immigrants | Second generation | Third generation or higher | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 13% | 15% | 72% | 3,841 |
| Bigger government; more services | 43% | 15% | 42% | 2,841 |
| Depends | 32% | 17% | 51% | 205 |
| Don't know | 19% | 11% | 70% | 240 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by immigrant status
Income distribution among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who have a household income of…
| 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 | 21% | 19% | 33% | 26% | 3,321 |
| Bigger government; more services | 52% | 19% | 18% | 11% | 2,472 |
| Depends | 37% | 18% | 25% | 19% | 164 |
| Don't know | 34% | 24% | 28% | 14% | 180 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by household income
Educational distribution among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who have completed…
| Views about size of government | High school or less | Some college | College | Post-graduate degree | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 35% | 31% | 21% | 13% | 3,853 |
| Bigger government; more services | 58% | 22% | 12% | 7% | 2,857 |
| Depends | 41% | 35% | 14% | 10% | 206 |
| Don't know | 42% | 34% | 14% | 9% | 241 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by educational group
Marital status among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are…
| Views about size of government | Married | Living with a partner | Divorced/separated | Widowed | Never married | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 58% | 6% | 11% | 8% | 17% | 3,855 |
| Bigger government; more services | 44% | 11% | 13% | 6% | 26% | 2,876 |
| Depends | 57% | 10% | 16% | 8% | 10% | 204 |
| Don't know | 56% | 6% | 10% | 11% | 18% | 241 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by marital status
Parent of children under 18 among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are…
| Views about size of government | Parents | Non-parents | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 26% | 74% | 3,854 |
| Bigger government; more services | 36% | 64% | 2,871 |
| Depends | 28% | 72% | 205 |
| Don't know | 19% | 81% | 242 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by parental status
Beliefs✭and✭Practices
Belief in God among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say they…
| 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 | 69% | 24% | 4% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 59% | 32% | 6% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 65% | 22% | 6% | 2% | 1% | 3% | 207 |
| Don't know | 69% | 22% | 5% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by belief in God
Importance of religion in one's life among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say religion is…
| 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 | 56% | 33% | 9% | 2% | < 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 59% | 31% | 7% | 2% | < 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 63% | 30% | 5% | 1% | < 1% | 207 |
| Don't know | 57% | 29% | 7% | 3% | 3% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by importance of religion
Attendance at religious services among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who attend religious services…
| 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 | 42% | 38% | 20% | < 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 37% | 43% | 20% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 42% | 41% | 17% | < 1% | 207 |
| Don't know | 38% | 34% | 26% | 2% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by religious attendance
Frequency of prayer among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who pray…
| Views about size of government | At least daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seldom/never | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 58% | 21% | 7% | 13% | < 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 59% | 20% | 7% | 13% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 64% | 22% | 4% | 9% | 2% | 207 |
| Don't know | 57% | 20% | 5% | 14% | 4% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by frequency of prayer
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who attend prayer group…
| 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 | 15% | 8% | 10% | 66% | < 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 19% | 11% | 10% | 59% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 18% | 10% | 9% | 61% | 2% | 207 |
| Don't know | 16% | 6% | 6% | 71% | 2% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who meditate…
| 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 | 38% | 8% | 5% | 49% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 42% | 10% | 5% | 41% | 2% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 52% | 8% | 5% | 35% | 1% | 207 |
| Don't know | 40% | 7% | 2% | 48% | 3% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by frequency of meditation
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
| 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% | 18% | 11% | 14% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 57% | 16% | 11% | 14% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 66% | 14% | 10% | 9% | 1% | 207 |
| Don't know | 58% | 16% | 7% | 12% | 7% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
| 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 | 41% | 16% | 15% | 28% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 44% | 15% | 14% | 26% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 42% | 12% | 15% | 25% | 6% | 207 |
| Don't know | 40% | 13% | 12% | 32% | 4% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
| Views about size of government | Religion | Philosophy/reason | Common sense | Science | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 31% | 10% | 50% | 7% | 2% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 30% | 9% | 46% | 14% | 2% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 31% | 10% | 47% | 5% | 7% | 207 |
| Don't know | 17% | 9% | 55% | 9% | 11% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say…
| 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 | 38% | 60% | 1% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 23% | 74% | 1% | 2% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 24% | 68% | 7% | 1% | 207 |
| Don't know | 25% | 72% | 2% | 2% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who read scripture…
| 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 | 24% | 11% | 11% | 54% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 26% | 12% | 10% | 50% | 1% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 25% | 14% | 7% | 54% | < 1% | 207 |
| Don't know | 29% | 7% | 8% | 53% | 3% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…
| 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 | 19% | 43% | 2% | 29% | 7% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 34% | 30% | 2% | 27% | 7% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 18% | 27% | 7% | 26% | 23% | 207 |
| Don't know | 16% | 28% | 10% | 29% | 17% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who …in heaven
| Views about size of government | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 87% | 9% | 4% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 84% | 11% | 5% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 80% | 9% | 11% | 207 |
| Don't know | 80% | 6% | 13% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by belief in heaven
Belief in Hell among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who …in hell
| Views about size of government | Believe | Don't believe | Other/don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 65% | 27% | 7% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 62% | 30% | 8% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 51% | 32% | 17% | 207 |
| Don't know | 57% | 26% | 17% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by belief in hell
Social✭and✭Political✭Views
Party affiliation among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who identify as…
| Views about size of government | Republican/lean Rep. | No lean | Democrat/lean Dem. | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 57% | 14% | 29% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 20% | 23% | 58% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 18% | 26% | 56% | 207 |
| Don't know | 15% | 28% | 56% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by political party
Political ideology among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who are…
| Views about size of government | Conservative | Moderate | Liberal | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 49% | 36% | 12% | 3% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 28% | 35% | 32% | 6% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 18% | 43% | 27% | 12% | 207 |
| Don't know | 18% | 44% | 24% | 14% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by political ideology
Views about government aid to the poor among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…
| 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 | 64% | 31% | 3% | 1% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 30% | 65% | 3% | 2% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 28% | 51% | 18% | 3% | 207 |
| Don't know | 31% | 52% | 8% | 9% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say abortion should be…
| Views about size of government | Legal in all/most cases | Illegal in all/most cases | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 44% | 52% | 3% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 51% | 44% | 5% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 51% | 36% | 14% | 207 |
| Don't know | 55% | 27% | 18% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by views about abortion
Views about homosexuality among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say homosexuality…
| Views about size of government | Should be accepted | Should be discouraged | Neither/both equally | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 64% | 28% | 4% | 4% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 76% | 19% | 2% | 3% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 68% | 12% | 13% | 7% | 207 |
| Don't know | 61% | 18% | 6% | 15% | 243 |
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.
Switch Display To: views about size of government among Catholics by views about homosexuality
Views about same-sex marriage among Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage
| Views about size of government | Strongly favor/favor | Oppose/strongly oppose | Don't know | Sample size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller government; fewer services | 50% | 42% | 9% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 64% | 28% | 8% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 56% | 21% | 23% | 207 |
| Don't know | 54% | 25% | 21% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say…
| 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 | 50% | 46% | 2% | 2% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 31% | 64% | 1% | 4% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 21% | 59% | 10% | 10% | 207 |
| Don't know | 23% | 60% | 6% | 11% | 243 |
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 Catholics by views about size of government
% of Catholics who say humans…
| Views about size of government | 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 | 28% | 36% | 4% | 29% | 4% | 3,868 |
| Bigger government; more services | 33% | 28% | 4% | 31% | 4% | 2,884 |
| Depends | 29% | 27% | 11% | 23% | 10% | 207 |
| Don't know | 29% | 25% | 13% | 19% | 14% | 243 |
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.
