Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201447%46%3%4%6,516
200742%47%5%6%6,556
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 Northeast by religious group

% of adults in the Northeast who would rather have…

Religious traditionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Catholic52%43%2%4%2,023
Evangelical Protestant55%40%2%3%759
Historically Black Protestant18%73%3%6%247
Jewish42%53%4%2%350
Mainline Protestant59%33%4%4%1,131
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")41%51%3%5%1,499
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are ages…

Views about size of government18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services17%32%30%21%3,224
Bigger government; more services27%35%24%14%2,655
Depends11%37%30%22%219
Don't know18%31%23%28%262
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about size of governmentYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Smaller government; fewer services11%12%26%36%14%2%3,224
Bigger government; more services18%16%28%28%9%1%2,655
Depends3%13%32%35%14%3%219
Don't know11%12%26%29%19%2%262
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about size of governmentMenWomenSample size
Smaller government; fewer services54%46%3,291
Bigger government; more services42%58%2,724
Depends44%56%228
Don't know42%58%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who identify as…

Views about size of governmentWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services85%4%3%5%3%3,235
Bigger government; more services56%16%5%18%4%2,689
Depends66%13%1%14%6%218
Don't know69%14%1%10%5%264
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about size of governmentImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Smaller government; fewer services10%14%76%3,255
Bigger government; more services25%15%60%2,662
Depends17%15%68%222
Don't know13%12%75%267
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services22%20%31%27%2,776
Bigger government; more services41%18%23%19%2,362
Depends31%19%29%21%173
Don't know37%16%28%19%202
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who have completed…

Views about size of governmentHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Smaller government; fewer services38%29%19%14%3,273
Bigger government; more services43%26%18%13%2,707
Depends33%31%19%18%225
Don't know45%28%16%12%270
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about size of governmentMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Smaller government; fewer services54%6%11%7%22%3,272
Bigger government; more services38%9%12%6%34%2,709
Depends49%8%13%10%20%223
Don't know48%7%14%9%21%268
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about size of governmentParentsNon-parentsSample size
Smaller government; fewer services25%75%3,273
Bigger government; more services28%72%2,720
Depends26%74%226
Don't know25%75%271
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services57%24%6%1%9%3%3,291
Bigger government; more services52%22%7%1%15%3%2,724
Depends54%20%8%1%11%6%228
Don't know58%16%4%4%12%5%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who say religion is…

Views about size of governmentVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services45%28%14%13%< 1%3,291
Bigger government; more services45%27%12%15%1%2,724
Depends41%31%11%14%3%228
Don't know43%24%16%12%4%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services32%33%35%< 1%3,291
Bigger government; more services28%36%35%1%2,724
Depends25%37%36%1%228
Don't know32%25%40%3%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who pray…

Views about size of governmentAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services49%16%6%28%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services47%15%7%29%1%2,724
Depends47%18%6%26%3%228
Don't know47%11%8%28%6%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services17%7%8%68%< 1%3,291
Bigger government; more services18%8%7%66%1%2,724
Depends15%7%7%68%2%228
Don't know17%3%4%73%3%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services36%9%5%49%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services37%10%5%47%2%2,724
Depends40%7%3%46%4%228
Don't know42%8%4%40%5%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services53%16%10%20%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services51%17%11%20%1%2,724
Depends61%9%10%16%4%228
Don't know53%13%8%19%6%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services44%17%14%24%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services45%16%13%25%1%2,724
Depends48%15%10%25%2%228
Don't know53%11%8%21%6%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services26%11%53%8%2%3,291
Bigger government; more services24%13%47%14%1%2,724
Depends19%15%49%7%11%228
Don't know26%10%42%6%16%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services37%62%1%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services21%76%1%1%2,724
Depends23%68%6%2%228
Don't know25%68%2%5%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services26%8%9%58%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services27%9%9%54%1%2,724
Depends23%13%7%56%1%228
Don't know25%8%6%57%3%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services20%30%2%41%6%3,291
Bigger government; more services27%22%2%43%6%2,724
Depends21%14%3%41%21%228
Don't know19%15%10%35%22%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who …in heaven

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services69%23%8%3,291
Bigger government; more services67%27%7%2,724
Depends45%36%19%228
Don't know61%26%13%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who …in hell

Views about size of governmentBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services52%39%9%3,291
Bigger government; more services48%44%8%2,724
Depends32%52%16%228
Don't know41%40%19%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who identify as…

Views about size of governmentRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Smaller government; fewer services50%17%33%3,291
Bigger government; more services15%17%68%2,724
Depends11%32%57%228
Don't know12%32%56%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who are…

Views about size of governmentConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services42%36%16%5%3,291
Bigger government; more services20%32%41%6%2,724
Depends17%41%32%10%228
Don't know17%34%27%22%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services59%36%4%1%3,291
Bigger government; more services26%71%2%2%2,724
Depends20%52%22%6%228
Don't know16%58%12%14%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services58%39%3%3,291
Bigger government; more services67%29%4%2,724
Depends68%19%13%228
Don't know54%29%17%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast who say homosexuality…

Views about size of governmentShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services66%27%4%3%3,291
Bigger government; more services76%19%2%3%2,724
Depends68%16%11%5%228
Don't know56%22%3%18%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

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

Views about size of governmentStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Smaller government; fewer services56%37%7%3,291
Bigger government; more services69%25%6%2,724
Depends62%21%17%228
Don't know57%26%17%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services43%53%2%2%3,291
Bigger government; more services25%71%1%3%2,724
Depends12%68%14%6%228
Don't know19%57%6%18%273
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 Northeast by views about size of government

% of adults in the Northeast 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 services36%25%4%32%3%3,291
Bigger government; more services44%22%3%28%4%2,724
Depends37%19%12%25%7%228
Don't know29%17%18%23%15%273
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.