NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has released the results of a major new survey that reveals the American people's list of issues they believe should be the focus of government attention in 2014. The same survey also explores the complex blend of personal, political, and ideological factors that lie behind such a list.
The data reveal broad doubts that the government will make progress in addressing the public's policy priorities, and feelings about the role of institutions other than government to solve major problems.
"While it is very easy to ask people to choose a single 'most important problem' and to build a list for the answers, the reality is that government has to address many issues at the same time," said Trevor Tompson, director of the AP-NORC Center. "This survey, with data about the public's priorities on a range of policy issues, provides policy makers with rigorous data as they seek to understand the public's outlook on where the country is now and what the action agenda should be for the year ahead."
Key findings of the Survey Include:
About the Survey
This nationally representative survey was conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research between December 12 and 16, 2013, with 1,141 adults 18 and over from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The overall margin of error is +/- 3.7 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. Additional information, including the survey report, Associated Press stories based on the survey results and the survey's complete topline findings can be found on the AP-NORC Center's website at www.apnorc.org.
Story Source:
Materials provided by NORC at the University of Chicago. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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