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Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for November 1, 2017
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
November 1, 2017: Forty-five percent (45%) of Americans want the government to take a more active role in solving the nation’s problems.[1] However, 50% disagree and say the government is doing too many things already.
At the same time, just 7% of Americans believe that the federal government has too little power. Gallup research shows that most Americans—55%—believe it already has too much power. Thirty-six percent (36%) say the balance of power is about right.[2]
There are at least three possible explanations for the apparent discrepancy between these findings:
- It is possible that Americans hold contradictory views and don’t know what they really want.
- Some may believe the government should do more in some areas but also believe it is already doing too much in others. Shifting the policy focus might be more effective in solving the nation’s problems without increasing federal power.
- Some people believe giving government more power would do more harm than good. From this perspective, cutting back on burdensome regulation might be seen as both reducing the power of government and doing something to solve the nation’s problems.
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- October 31, 2017 – 500 years ago today, Martin Luther sparked a revolution
- October 30, 2017 – 88 percent of benefits from state/local tax deductions go to upper-income Americans
- October 27, 2017 – 51 percent of Chicago residents believe relations with police are good
- October 26, 2017 – 1,300 dollars spent on Amazon by average Prime member
- October 25, 2017 – Cato study finds that 10 countries have more economic freedom than U.S.
- To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.
Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.
The Number of the Day is broadcast on local stations across the country. An archive of these broadcasts can be found here.
Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
Ballotpedia is the nonprofit, nonpartisan Encyclopedia of American Politics.
See also
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