Poll Watch: Rasmussen Political Ideology Survey

Rasmussen Political Ideology Survey

Many people have different ideological perspectives on fiscal issues and social issues. When it comes to fiscal issues such as taxes, government spending and business regulation, are you politically conservative, moderate, or liberal?

• Conservative 44% [44%] (43%)
• Moderate 40% [39%] (38%)
• Liberal 12% [14%] (13%)

When it comes to social issues like abortion, public prayer, and Church-state topics, are you politically conservative, moderate, or liberal?

• Conservative 40% [37%] (36%)
• Liberal 31% [30%] (29%)
• Moderate 26% [30%] (31%)

Survey of 1,000 likely voters was conducted July 10-11, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.  Results from the poll conducted June 4-5, 2011 are in parentheses.  Results from the poll conducted May 5-6, 2011 are in parentheses.

Inside the numbers:

Voters remain slightly more conservative when it comes to fiscal policy than they are on social issues, while 29% still say they are conservative in both areas.

Males tend to be more conservative than females on both fiscal and social issues. Voters over 40 are more conservative both fiscally and socially than those who are younger. 

Seventy-eight percent (78%) of Republicans are fiscal conservatives, while a majority (56%) of Democrats and a plurality (46%) of voters not affiliated with either major party see themselves as moderates on money issues. 

As for social issues, 65% of GOP voters are conservatives, while 54% of Democrats are liberals. Unaffiliated voters are closely divided.