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Whether government spends too much, too little, or about right on specific programs (defense, welfare, education, health, environment, cities, space, and so on).
| Question | Source | Years | Waves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spending on solving problems of big cities D. Solving the problems of the big cities | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on the military, armaments, and defense I. The military, armaments and defense | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on improving conditions of Black people We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money, or about the right amount. First (READ ITEM A) . . . are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount on (ITEM)?H. Improving the conditions of Black people. | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on improving and protecting the environment B. Improving and protecting the environment | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Government spending on foreign aid J. Foreign aid | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on improving the nation's health C. Improving and protecting the nation's health | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on the space exploration program A. Space exploration program | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on welfare K. Welfare | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on halting the rising crime rate E. Halting the rising crime rate | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on improving the nation's education system G. Improving the nation's education system | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on dealing with drug addiction F. Dealing with drug addiction | GSS | 1973–2024 | 34 |
| Spending on national defense I. National defense | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on drug rehabilitation F. Drug rehabilitation | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on assistance to the poor K. Assistance to the poor | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on the environment B. The environment | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on assistance to Black people We are faced with many problems in this country, none of which can be solved easily or inexpensively. I'm going to name some of these problems, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money, or about the right amount. First (READ ITEM A) . . . are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount on (ITEM)?H. Assistance to Black people. | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on health C. Health | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on education G. Education | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on assistance to other countries J. Assistance to other countries | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on law enforcement E. Law enforcement | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on highways and bridges L. Highways and bridges | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on assistance to big cities D. Assistance to big cities | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on space exploration (version Y) A. Space exploration | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on Social Security M. Social Security | GSS | 1984–2024 | 25 |
| Spending on mass transportation N. Mass Transportation | GSS | 1984–2022 | 24 |
| Spending on parks and recreation O. Parks and recreation | GSS | 1984–2022 | 24 |
| Government services and spending scale Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven’t you thought much about this? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1982–2024 | 16 |
| Defense spending scale Where would you place yourself on this scale or haven’t you thought much about this? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1980–2024 | 15 |
| Federal spending on Social Security Social Security | ANES | 1984–2024 | 15 |
| Federal spending on the environment 2012: fedspend_enviro V083151 V023052,5113,5113x | ANES | 1984–2024 | 14 |
| Federal spending on public schools Public schools | ANES | 1984–2024 | 14 |
| Spending on assistance for childcare P. Assistance for childcare | GSS | 2000–2024 | 13 |
| Federal spending on dealing with crime Dealing with crime | ANES | 1984–2024 | 12 |
| Spending on scientific research Q. Supporting scientific research | GSS | 2002–2024 | 12 |
| President's position on government services and spending Some people think the government should provide fewer services, even in areas such as health and education, in order to reduce spending. Other people feel that it is important for the government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending. Where would you place [president] on this scale? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1982–2012 | 12 |
| Federal spending on welfare programs Welfare programs | ANES | 1992–2024 | 11 |
| Republican presidential candidate on government services and spending Some people think the government should provide fewer services, even in areas such as health and education in order to reduce spending. Other people feel it is important for the government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending. Where would you place [the Republican Presidential Candidate] on this scale? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1984–2024 | 11 |
| Democratic presidential candidate on government services and spending Some people think the government should provide fewer services, even in areas such as health and education in order to reduce spending. Other people feel it is important for the government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending. Where would you place [the Democratic Presidential Candidate] on this scale? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1984–2024 | 11 |
| Federal spending on child care Child care | ANES | 1988–2016 | 11 |
| Federal spending on aid to the poor 2002,2004: aid to poor people | ANES | 1992–2024 | 10 |
| President's position on defense spending Others feel that defense spending should be greatly increased. Where would you place [president] on this scale? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1980–2012 | 10 |
| Democratic presidential candidate on defense spending Some people believe that we should spend much less money for defense. Others feel that defense spending should be greatly increased. Where would you place [the Democratic Presidential Candidate] on this scale? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1980–2016 | 9 |
| Republican presidential candidate on defense spending Some people believe that we should spend much less money for defense. Others feel that defense spending should be greatly increased. Where would you place [the Republican Presidential Candidate] on this scale? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1980–2016 | 9 |
| Spending on developing alternative energy sources R. Developing alternative energy sources | GSS | 2010–2024 | 8 |
| Federal spending on science and technology 1990: the space program | ANES | 1984–2016 | 8 |
| Federal spending on food stamps Food stamps | ANES | 1984–2000 | 8 |
| Federal spending on AIDS research 1992-1996,2000,2002: AIDS research | ANES | 1988–2002 | 7 |
| Federal spending on programs assisting Blacks 2002: aid to blacks | ANES | 1984–2002 | 7 |
| Federal spending on foreign aid Foreign aid | ANES | 1990–2008 | 6 |
| Federal government's current level of services and spending Some people think the government should provide fewer services, even in areas such as health and education in order to reduce spending. Other people feel it is important for the government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending. Where would you place what the Federal Government is doing at the present time? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) | ANES | 1982–1992 | 6 |
| Favor cuts in government spending C. Cuts in government spending. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on health B. Health. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on unemployment benefits G. Unemployment benefits. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on retirement benefits F. Retirement benefits. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on culture and the arts H. Culture and the arts. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on the environment A. The environment. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on education D. Education. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on defense E. The military and defense. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Government spending on police and law enforcement C. The police and law enforcement. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 5 |
| Federal spending on the homeless 1992,1996: solving the problem of the homeless | ANES | 1988–1996 | 4 |
| Federal spending on financial aid for college students Financial aid for college students | ANES | 1986–1996 | 4 |
| Government spending on mental health care Earlier, we talked about various areas of government spending. Since we've been talking about the mental health area, please indicate whether you would like to see more or less government spending in the area of mental health care. Remember that if you say "much more," it might require a tax increase to pay for it. | GSS | 1996–2006 | 2 |
| Whether to cut military spending Some people believe that our armed forces are already powerful enough and that we should spend less money for defense. Others feel that military spending should at least continue at the present level. How do you feel - should military spending be cut, or should it continue at least at the present level? | ANES | 1972–1976 | 2 |
| State legislature spending on education State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Education] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| Spend $150 billion a year on infrastructure for 8 years Do you support or oppose each of the following proposals? [Spend $150 billion a year for 8 years on construction and repair of roads and bridges, rail, public transit, airports, water systems, broadband internet, and electric grid] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| State legislature spending on law enforcement State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Law Enforcement] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| State legislature spending on transportation and infrastructure State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Transportation/Infrastructure] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| State legislature spending on health care State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Health Care] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| State legislature spending on welfare State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Welfare] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| Support for $2.2 trillion social and climate spending plan Over the past two years, Congress voted on many issues. Do you support each of the following proposals? [Spend $2.2 trillion over the next decade to provide universal prekindergarten, subsidies for child care, expanded financial aid for college, housing support, home and community care for older Americans, and to shift the U.S. economy away] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| Support for infrastructure spending bill Over the past two years, Congress voted on many issues. Do you support each of the following proposals? [Spend $150 billion a year for 8 years on construction and repair of roads and bridges, rail, public transit, airports, water systems and broadband internet] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| State spending on law enforcement State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Law Enforcement] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| State spending on education State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Education] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| State spending on transportation and infrastructure State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Transportation/Infrastructure] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| State spending on welfare State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Welfare] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| State spending on health care State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Health Care] | CES | 2022 | 1 |
| State spending on education State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Education] | CES | 2020 | 1 |
| State spending on welfare State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Welfare] | CES | 2020 | 1 |
| State spending on health care State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Health Care] | CES | 2020 | 1 |
| State spending on transportation and infrastructure State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Transportation/Infrastructure] | CES | 2020 | 1 |
| State spending on law enforcement State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Law Enforcement] | CES | 2020 | 1 |
| Budget: leave defense and nondefense spending unchanged The federal budget contains about $600 billion for national defense and $550 billion for domestic discretionary spending such as education and transportation, and $2 trillion for nondiscretionary spending on entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Se- curity. Considered on their own, would you SUPPORT or OPPOSE each of the following budget proposals? • Leave defense spending unchanged. • Leave discretionary nondefense spending unchanged. [Proposal D] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| Budget: cut defense spending, raise nondefense spending The federal budget contains about $600 billion for national defense and $550 billion for domestic discretionary spending such as education and transportation, and $2 trillion for nondiscretionary spending on entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Se- curity. Considered on their own, would you SUPPORT or OPPOSE each of the following budget proposals? • Cut defense spending by $60 billion. • Increase discretionary nondefense spending by $60 billion. [Proposal C] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| State spending on law enforcement State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Law Enforcement] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| Budget: raise both defense and nondefense spending The federal budget contains about $600 billion for national defense and $550 billion for domestic discretionary spending such as education and transportation, and $2 trillion for nondiscretionary spending on entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Se- curity. Considered on their own, would you SUPPORT or OPPOSE each of the following budget proposals? • Increase defense spending by $60 billion. • Increase discretionary nondefense spending by $60 billion. [Proposal B] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| State spending on education State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Education] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| State spending on health care State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Health Care] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| Budget: raise defense spending, cut nondefense spending The federal budget contains about $600 billion for national defense and $550 billion for domestic discretionary spending such as education and transportation, and $2 trillion for nondiscretionary spending on entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Se- curity. Considered on their own, would you SUPPORT or OPPOSE each of the following budget proposals? • Increase defense spending by $60 billion. • Cut discretionary nondefense spending by $60 billion. [Proposal A] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| State spending on transportation and infrastructure State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Transportation/Infrastructure] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| State spending on welfare State legislatures must make choices when making spending decisions on important state programs. How would you like your legislature to spend money on each of the five areas below? [Welfare] | CES | 2018 | 1 |
| Government spending on natural disasters Would you like to see more or less government spending on natural disasters. Remember that if you say "much more", it might require a tax increase to pay for it. Would you say... | GSS | 2006 | 1 |
| State government financial aid to arts organizations A. What about state government? Do you feel that it should provide financial assistance to arts organizations? | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Spending on the arts Earlier we talked about problems in this country, and whether we are spending too much money on them, too little money, or about the right amount. I have one more problem to ask you about: the arts . . . are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount on that? | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Local government should fund arts organizations B. How about municipal or county governments? Should these governments assist arts organizations financially? | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Cut debt or spend on social programs at current taxes Please CHECK ONE BOX ONLY. | GSS | 1996 | 1 |
| Spending on youth drug abuse prevention and treatment H. Drug abuse prevention and treatment for children and youth… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on child care for poor children D. Child care for poor children… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on child care for working parents E. Child care for all children with working parents… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on health care for uninsured children B. Health care for children whose families don't have insurance… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on nutrition programs for poor children I. Nutrition programs for poor children and families, such as food stamps and school lunches… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on Head Start preschool programs C. Preschool programs like Head Start for poor children… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on prenatal care for poor mothers A. Prenatal care for pregnant mothers who can't afford it… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on contraceptive services for teens J. Contraceptive services for teenagers… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Spending on services for disabled and ill children G. Services for disabled and chronically ill children… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Government spending on housing for poor families F. Housing for poor families with children… | GSS | 1990 | 1 |
| Federal spending on the space program 1990: the space program | ANES | 1990 | 1 |
| Spending on improving health, alternate wording C. Improving and protecting the nation's health | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on caring for the poor K. Caring for the poor | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on helping other countries J. Helping other countries | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on advancing space exploration (version Z) A. Advancing space exploration | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on reducing crime E. Reducing crime | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on improving the environment, alternate wording B. Improving and protecting the environment | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on reducing drug addiction F. Reducing drug addiction | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on protecting Social Security (version Z) M. Protecting Social Security | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on improving conditions of Blacks (version Z) H. Improving the conditions of Blacks | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on improving the education system, alternate wording G. Improving the nation's education system | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on improving mass transit N. Improving mass transportation | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on strengthening national defense I. Strengthening national defense | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on solving problems of big cities, alternate wording D. Solving the problems of the big cities | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on parks and recreation (version Z) O. Improving parks and recreation | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Spending on highways and bridges (version Z) L. Improving the condition of highways and bridges | GSS | 1984 | 1 |
| Own position on cutting government services A. Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven't you thought much about this? | GSS | 1980 | 1 |
| Respondent's preferred level of defense spending A. Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven't you thought much about this? | GSS | 1980 | 1 |
| Where federal government stands on defense spending B. Where would you place what the federal government is doing at the present time? | GSS | 1980 | 1 |
| Where federal government stands on cutting services B. Where would you place what the federal government is doing at the present time? | GSS | 1980 | 1 |