Polls & Research
Archive Search
Americans Ponder Moral Values in Government
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in the United States are divided on whether their federal administration should become involved in the promotion of moral principles, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 48 per cent of respondents agree with the premise, while 48 per cent disagree.
U.S. president George W. Bush—a born-again Christian—has referred to the role religion plays in his life on several occasions. During his acceptance speech at the Republican convention in September 2004, Bush said, "I believe that America is called to lead the cause of freedom in a new century (...) because freedom is not America's gift to the world, it is the almighty God's gift to every man and woman in this world."
During his first term, Bush endeavoured to develop faith-based initiatives. The strategy dispenses federal funds to religious and community organizations, which in turn develop assistance programs. The policy has faced criticism for allegedly ignoring the separation between church and state. 59 per cent of respondents think government policies have a significant effect on the moral values of people in the United States.
Earlier this month, Bush signed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005, saying, "By allowing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy stiffer and more meaningful fines on broadcasters who violate decency standards, this law will ensure that broadcasters take seriously their duty to keep the public airwaves free of obscene, profane and indecent material. American families expect and deserve nothing less." The law increases the maximum fine for indecent programming from $32,500 U.S. to $325,000 U.S.
Polling Data
Do you think the federal government should or should not be involved in promoting moral values in our society?
May 2006 | May 1996 | |
Should | 48% | 60% |
Should not | 48% | 38% |
Depends | 3% | 1% |
No opinion | 2% | 1% |
In your view, do government policies have a significant effect on the moral values of people in this country, or not?
May 2006 | May 1996 | |
Yes | 59% | 58% |
No | 38% | 39% |
No opinion | 3% | 3% |
Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,002 American adults, conducted from May 9 to May 11, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.