Polls are excellent sources
People most often think of public opinion polls in connection with the ebb and flow of political campaigns. And with good reason, two decades ago, less than a dozen polls tracked presidential and senatorial campaigns, today the number is estimated in the hundreds.
The extensiveness of this polling activity means there is a wealth of data waiting to be used. However, the sheer volume of work makes it a daunting project to find even a fraction of what might be useful
Finding them isn’t easy
Some national polls like appear regularly, while others, such as specially commissioned polls are more difficult to locate. These special polls frequently focus on current topics such as health care, the environment, and youth issues. They contain interesting and useful information.
State and local polls conducted by newspapers, university survey centers, or private firms examine sub-national issues like state and local taxes. They also pose questions about education, race relations, law enforcement, and the delivery of services.
The best source to use in finding information in this wide range of sources is Polling the Nations.
What do Americans know?
Surveys ask Americans to answer factual questions about everything from provisions of the Constitution to the name of their representative in Congress.
Their knowledge of government and policy issues will affect the way they carry out their obligations as citizens.
Activities
The proliferation and sophistication of polls have provided a rich body of data for analyzing voting behavior
Beyond exit polls, surveys have collected a large amount of information about the way Americans interact with their political systems.
Opinions
While approval ratings for the president’s job performance generally get the most media attention, these are only a small part of the opinions Americans are asked to express.
From the federal government to local school boards, public policies are continually being assessed. The questions range from issues as fundamental as the nature of constitutional rights, to particular provisions of a proposed piece of legislation.
Since public policy ultimately depends on public acceptance, the state of the public’s opinion is important.
Public Policy
