Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201456%38%4%2%8,593
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good15%34%30%21%4,901
Does more good than harm21%32%29%18%3,003
Neither/both equally14%35%30%20%338
Don't know9%26%28%38%175
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good9%11%29%35%14%1%4,901
Does more good than harm13%14%26%34%12%1%3,003
Neither/both equally7%15%28%36%13%1%338
Don't know5%11%19%34%27%5%175
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good50%50%4,997
Does more good than harm39%61%3,065
Neither/both equally45%55%348
Don't know36%64%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good83%3%1%9%4%4,936
Does more good than harm66%10%2%15%6%3,033
Neither/both equally73%5%< 1%14%8%340
Don't know66%8%4%12%10%170
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good7%6%87%4,946
Does more good than harm12%8%80%3,018
Neither/both equally10%2%87%343
Don't know15%5%80%177
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good26%22%34%18%4,337
Does more good than harm47%22%21%10%2,718
Neither/both equally44%23%24%9%282
Don't know52%21%19%8%125
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good41%36%16%7%4,970
Does more good than harm46%35%12%7%3,048
Neither/both equally43%38%13%7%346
Don't know60%24%11%5%181
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good63%4%11%7%16%4,979
Does more good than harm46%7%18%9%21%3,053
Neither/both equally49%4%21%9%17%348
Don't know47%4%19%18%12%182
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good32%68%4,979
Does more good than harm30%70%3,056
Neither/both equally32%68%344
Don't know25%75%181
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good89%9%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%4,997
Does more good than harm86%12%2%< 1%< 1%< 1%3,065
Neither/both equally91%7%1%1%< 1%< 1%348
Don't know84%12%< 1%3%< 1%1%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good81%16%2%1%< 1%4,997
Does more good than harm76%20%2%1%< 1%3,065
Neither/both equally82%13%1%2%2%348
Don't know82%13%< 1%< 1%5%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good60%29%11%< 1%4,997
Does more good than harm54%32%13%1%3,065
Neither/both equally62%24%13%1%348
Don't know59%21%16%3%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good79%13%3%4%1%4,997
Does more good than harm77%15%3%4%< 1%3,065
Neither/both equally82%11%3%3%< 1%348
Don't know82%11%4%2%1%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good46%13%10%31%1%4,997
Does more good than harm39%14%9%37%1%3,065
Neither/both equally52%10%8%29%1%348
Don't know47%9%9%33%3%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good47%6%3%42%2%4,997
Does more good than harm51%7%3%38%2%3,065
Neither/both equally56%4%4%34%1%348
Don't know51%6%3%33%7%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good76%12%6%5%1%4,997
Does more good than harm72%12%7%8%1%3,065
Neither/both equally81%7%5%5%2%348
Don't know79%7%4%8%2%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good47%16%11%24%2%4,997
Does more good than harm49%17%11%23%1%3,065
Neither/both equally48%12%11%26%3%348
Don't know47%17%15%16%6%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good63%4%29%2%2%4,997
Does more good than harm55%7%33%4%2%3,065
Neither/both equally60%4%23%3%10%348
Don't know57%1%26%4%12%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good59%39%1%1%4,997
Does more good than harm37%60%1%1%3,065
Neither/both equally43%50%5%1%348
Don't know40%52%2%6%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good64%11%7%17%1%4,997
Does more good than harm59%13%8%19%1%3,065
Neither/both equally68%11%6%14%1%348
Don't know72%8%2%18%1%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good58%28%4%6%3%4,997
Does more good than harm50%32%3%10%5%3,065
Neither/both equally55%21%11%5%9%348
Don't know59%15%13%3%9%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good87%6%7%4,997
Does more good than harm90%5%6%3,065
Neither/both equally85%3%12%348
Don't know85%5%10%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good84%10%7%4,997
Does more good than harm80%13%7%3,065
Neither/both equally81%6%13%348
Don't know76%8%17%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good71%13%15%4,997
Does more good than harm34%18%47%3,065
Neither/both equally49%27%23%348
Don't know39%30%31%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good68%20%8%5%4,997
Does more good than harm36%37%20%7%3,065
Neither/both equally50%27%10%12%348
Don't know45%23%12%20%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good80%16%2%2%4,997
Does more good than harm42%52%3%4%3,065
Neither/both equally51%24%16%9%348
Don't know44%30%6%19%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good26%71%3%4,997
Does more good than harm44%52%4%3,065
Neither/both equally30%64%7%348
Don't know21%65%14%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good30%62%4%3%4,997
Does more good than harm46%47%4%4%3,065
Neither/both equally30%45%19%5%348
Don't know22%46%6%25%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good22%72%6%4,997
Does more good than harm38%54%8%3,065
Neither/both equally23%62%15%348
Don't know19%58%23%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good60%35%2%3%4,997
Does more good than harm33%62%2%4%3,065
Neither/both equally38%43%13%6%348
Don't know35%37%4%23%183
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 Evangelical Protestants by views about government aid to the poor

% of Evangelical Protestants 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 good10%23%2%62%4%4,997
Does more good than harm13%30%3%49%5%3,065
Neither/both equally6%22%5%56%11%348
Don't know6%18%7%46%23%183
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.