Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201438%56%4%2%21,955
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by religious group

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Buddhist20%74%4%2%212
Catholic41%53%4%2%4,619
Evangelical Protestant46%48%4%2%3,811
Hindu32%59%7%2%158
Historically Black Protestant25%70%4%2%1,290
Jewish26%68%4%2%633
Mainline Protestant42%52%4%2%3,901
Mormon52%43%3%1%267
Muslim27%67%5%1%178
Orthodox Christian42%55%3%< 1%113
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")34%61%3%2%5,875
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: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good26%35%23%16%7,914
Does more good than harm26%33%25%16%12,418
Neither/both equally24%36%24%17%799
Don't know19%26%27%28%419
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good17%16%28%27%11%1%7,914
Does more good than harm17%16%27%29%10%1%12,418
Neither/both equally13%18%29%29%10%1%799
Don't know10%18%18%32%19%4%419
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good50%50%8,050
Does more good than harm45%55%12,639
Neither/both equally49%51%826
Don't know48%52%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good68%9%4%16%3%7,970
Does more good than harm61%15%4%16%4%12,491
Neither/both equally60%12%5%18%5%805
Don't know58%10%6%20%6%423
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good15%11%74%7,942
Does more good than harm16%11%72%12,459
Neither/both equally17%10%72%808
Don't know24%8%68%429
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good30%22%29%19%7,015
Does more good than harm40%20%23%18%11,209
Neither/both equally39%23%24%14%671
Don't know51%18%19%12%318
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good44%33%16%8%8,016
Does more good than harm40%30%17%13%12,577
Neither/both equally44%28%17%11%816
Don't know56%24%13%7%434
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good48%8%11%6%27%8,013
Does more good than harm40%9%14%6%30%12,587
Neither/both equally43%9%15%7%25%818
Don't know39%7%16%12%25%434
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good30%70%8,022
Does more good than harm27%73%12,599
Neither/both equally30%70%823
Don't know21%79%437
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve 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
Does more harm than good60%23%6%1%8%2%8,050
Does more good than harm53%22%7%1%14%3%12,639
Neither/both equally60%18%6%2%10%4%826
Don't know60%19%5%6%7%4%440
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good47%30%12%11%< 1%8,050
Does more good than harm44%26%14%16%1%12,639
Neither/both equally48%25%13%12%2%826
Don't know57%19%10%9%5%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good30%37%33%< 1%8,050
Does more good than harm27%35%37%< 1%12,639
Neither/both equally34%28%38%< 1%826
Don't know35%30%33%3%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good49%18%7%25%1%8,050
Does more good than harm47%16%6%30%1%12,639
Neither/both equally53%15%6%26%1%826
Don't know54%16%7%19%4%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good19%9%8%64%< 1%8,050
Does more good than harm18%8%8%65%1%12,639
Neither/both equally22%10%7%59%1%826
Don't know23%6%9%59%3%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%8%4%51%2%8,050
Does more good than harm38%10%5%46%1%12,639
Neither/both equally43%8%6%42%1%826
Don't know46%7%5%34%8%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good53%16%11%19%1%8,050
Does more good than harm54%16%10%18%1%12,639
Neither/both equally60%13%9%16%3%826
Don't know54%16%9%18%5%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good41%16%13%29%1%8,050
Does more good than harm47%16%13%22%1%12,639
Neither/both equally44%15%11%27%3%826
Don't know39%19%14%24%5%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good26%9%55%9%1%8,050
Does more good than harm23%14%48%12%2%12,639
Neither/both equally25%11%47%7%10%826
Don't know28%7%45%8%12%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good27%10%9%53%1%8,050
Does more good than harm27%10%9%53%1%12,639
Neither/both equally32%10%8%49%2%826
Don't know33%11%5%47%4%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord 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
Does more harm than good26%30%2%35%7%8,050
Does more good than harm24%23%2%45%7%12,639
Neither/both equally24%20%3%34%19%826
Don't know32%14%8%26%20%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good74%20%6%8,050
Does more good than harm65%29%7%12,639
Neither/both equally65%21%14%826
Don't know69%15%16%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good59%34%8%8,050
Does more good than harm48%45%7%12,639
Neither/both equally52%34%14%826
Don't know47%31%23%440
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good48%19%32%8,050
Does more good than harm17%17%66%12,639
Neither/both equally24%32%43%826
Don't know25%38%37%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good39%37%18%6%8,050
Does more good than harm20%36%39%5%12,639
Neither/both equally27%38%22%13%826
Don't know24%34%21%20%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good65%30%2%3%8,050
Does more good than harm31%62%3%4%12,639
Neither/both equally38%34%19%9%826
Don't know35%39%5%22%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good54%42%4%8,050
Does more good than harm67%30%3%12,639
Neither/both equally55%36%9%826
Don't know41%40%19%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good65%29%4%3%8,050
Does more good than harm76%19%3%2%12,639
Neither/both equally64%19%13%5%826
Don't know52%26%7%14%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good54%38%8%8,050
Does more good than harm70%25%5%12,639
Neither/both equally54%31%15%826
Don't know44%33%23%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter 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
Does more harm than good45%51%2%2%8,050
Does more good than harm24%72%2%2%12,639
Neither/both equally24%56%13%7%826
Don't know31%42%2%25%440
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 that right or wrong depends on the situation by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who say that right or wrong depends on the situation who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%27%4%32%4%8,050
Does more good than harm44%24%4%25%3%12,639
Neither/both equally29%24%12%24%11%826
Don't know23%18%9%27%23%440
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.