The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government has released a national survey of 1000 adults.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he latest national poll conducted by the Polling Center collected views on U.S. Constitutional protections, rights and liberties, degree of pride in American characteristics, strength of religious convictions, views on religion in everyday life, views on persecution of Christians and awareness of and perceptions about Sharia Law.
There exists strong support for many of the protections, liberties and rights held within amendments to the U.S. Constitution among Americans polled.
Strong support (very or somewhat) is found for:
- Freedom of speech – 97.5%
- Right to a jury trial and assistance of legal counsel – 95.6%
- Freedom of assembly – 93.3%
- Freedom of the press – 92.6%
- Free exercise of religion – 92.2%
- Requiring court warrants for search and seizure – 90.6%
- Allowing 18 year olds to vote – 88.0%
- Right to keep and bear arms – 81.3%
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile gun rights and gun controls are frequently debated in the nation, 81.3% suggest they support the protective constitutional amendment. However, many likely can see some restrictions such as background checks, permitting and withholding arms for those convicted of crimes or those with mental health issues.
While approximately two-thirds of all Americans surveyed take pride in a number of national characteristics, the results also suggest we have a ways to go as a nation.
The percentages of those having strong pride in a number of national characteristics…
- The nation’s acceptance and respect for various religions – 61.4%
- Despite political differences, pride in having our first African-American President – 63.2%
- The nation’s religious diversity – 63.6%
- The nation’s racial diversity – 64.3%
- The demise of the Klan in the U.S. – 67.0%
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] large percentage of Americans surveyed, 81.0%, indicated they believe in God, a creator or spiritual being. Belief among southern state respondents was 82.7%.
Two-thirds, 66.8%, suggested they were very (23.5%) or somewhat (43.4%) religious. Another 32.2% noted they were not very religious (16.4%) or not at all religious (15.8%).
The poll was conducted January 22-27, 2016.
ABOUT THE POLL: The Poll was conducted by The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government. Polling by the Center is conducted on a regular basis and may also include spontaneous polling on occurring events. For the full Poll Report, click here: https://www.jsums.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IOG-Polling-Center-JSU-Winter-2016-Report.pdf
METHODOLOGY: The Poll sampled opinions of 1000 approximately proportional to state population contribution nationwide. The survey was conducted January 22-27, 2016. All surveys were conducted using an online survey instrument. The poll has a +/- 3.0 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level on a composite basis.