1983 FLORIDA ANNUAL POLICY SURVEY
SURVEY RESEARCH LABORATORY
POLICY SCIENCES PROGRAM
FLORIDA STATE
UNIVERSITY
JANUARY 1983
To begin, would you please evaluate how well your government and public officials are doing their jobs? (READ OPTIONS AFTER QUESTIONS AS NECESSARY)
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
8=DK
v1 a. How would you rate the job Ronald Reagan is doing as president?
1 2 3 4 8
v2 b. The job the US Congress is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v3 c. How would you rate the job Bob Graham is doing as governor?
1 2 3 4 8
v4 d. The job the Florida legislature in Tallahassee is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v5 e. And how about the job your local government is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v6 v7
2. And what do you think are the most important problems facing the state of Florida?
(PROBE: Are there any others?)
(CODE UP TO 2 MENTIONS, CODE ANSWERS VERBATIM)
v8
3. As you know, the Republican arid Democratic parties dominate American politics. Over the years some people have associated themselves with one of those parties, even if they do not always vote for the party's candidates. Others feel no lasting attachment to a party, even if they may favor one party's candidates in a particular election. What about you? Are you a Republican, a Democrat, or neither?
IF REPUBLICAN ASK: Is your attachment to the party: 1. Strong
2. Not so strong
IF NEITHER ASK: Do you feel closer to the 3. Closer to Republican
Democrats or the Republicans? 4. No
5. Closer to Democrats
IF DEMOCRAT ASK: Is your attachment to the party: 6. Not so strong
7. Strong
CODE OTHER PARTIES ONLY IF VOLUNTEERED 0. Other party __________
8. DK
4. I would like your opinion on a few political issues. Some people really don't have an opinion on some of these matters. If you have no opinion on the subject, please tell me and we can skip to the next question.
Do you favor or oppose:
v9 a. Constructing more nuclear power plants in Florida?
1 2 3 7 8
v10 b. Raising the legal drinking age from the current 19 to 21 years of age?
1 2 3 7 8
v11 c. Construction of a state prison in your community?
1 2 3 7 8
v12 d. A state-run lottery to provide an additional source of state revenue?
1 2 3 7 8
v13 e. Substantial increases in salaries of Florida's public school teachers?
1 2 3 7 8
v14 f. Increasing the tax on gasoline to provide needed revenues for road maintenance and
construction?
1 2 3 4 8
5. Several alternative ways have been proposed to increase state revenues for road maintenance and construction. As I read them, would you please indicate whether you favor or oppose each?
1=Favor
2=Other/Depends
3=Oppose
8=DK
Do you favor or oppose…
v15 a. Applying the state sales tax to gasoline.
1 2 3 8
v16 b. Increasing the current eight cent per gallon gasoline tax.
1 2 3 8
v17 c. Increasing license plate fees.
1 2 3 8
6. Would you please evaluate the following services that government provides. If you are not familiar with the service, please tell me and we can go to the next question.
(REPEAT OPTIONS IF NECESSARY)
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
7=Not Familiar
8=DK
v18
a. In general, would you say the public schools where you live are excellent, good, fair, poor - or aren't you familiar with the local schools?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v19
b. And how about the state colleges and universities in Florida, would you say they are excellent, good, fair, poor - or aren't you familiar with them?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v20
c. In general, would you say that law enforcement where you live is excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v21
d. How about the maintenance of roads and highways where you live? Are they excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v22
e. How about social services for the poor, disabled, and elderly? Are they excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v23
f. How about the quality of the fresh water where you live, is it excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v24
7. Is the number of roads and highways where you live adequate to handle the traffic OR is there a need to build a few more or many more roads?
1. Adequate
2. Few more
3. Many more
8. DK
v25
8. And how about the amount of fresh water where you live? Is it adequate, somewhat inadequate, or very inadequate to serve your community needs?
1. Adequate
2. Somewhat inadequate
3. Very inadequate
8. DK
9. Next, let me ask you about the taxes you pay. From your personal standpoint, please tell me for each tax I read off to you if you feel it is too high, too low, or about right.
IF TOO HIGH ASK: Somewhat too high or much too high?
1=Much too high
2=Somewhat too high
3=About right
4=Too low
5=Do not pay
8=DK
v26 a. Florida state sales tax
1 2 3 4 5 8
v27 b. Local property tax
1 2 3 4 5 8
v28 c. State gasoline tax
1 2 3 4 5 8
10. Now I'm going to ask you some questions about spending by the state government in Tallahassee. Please bear in mind that eventually all government spending comes out of the taxes you and other Floridians pay. As I mention each program area, tell me whether you think the amount now being spent should be increased, kept at the present level or decreased.
1=Increase
2=Present Level
3=Decrease
8=DK
v29 01. State highways and road systems
1 2 3 8
v30 02. Elderly people
1 2 3 8
v31 03. Public transportation
1 2 3 8
v32 04. Public schools (K-12)
1 2 3 8
v33 05. State colleges & universities
1 2 3 8
v34 06. Protection of the environment
1 2 3 8
v35 07. Low income families with children
1 2 3 8
v36 08. Industrial development and attracting new industries
1 2 3 8
v37 09. Promote tourism
1 2 3 8
v38 10. Energy conservation
1 2 3 8
v39 11. To combat crime
1 2 3 8
v40 12. State prisons and correctional facilities
1 2 3 8
v41 13. Health care services
1 2 3 8
IF NO PROGRAM FOR INCREASE, SKIP TO Q12
v42
11. Of those program areas which you feel should receive increased spending (NAME PROGRAMS), which one would you designate as your top priority for the increase?
(CODE ONLY ONE PROGRAM)
01. Highways
02. Elderly
03. Public transportation
04. Public schools
05. Colleges/universities
06. Environment
07. Low income families
08. Industry development
09. Tourism
10. Energy Conservation
11. Combat crime
12. Prisons
13. Health care
98. DK
IF NO PROGRAM FOR DECREASE, SKIP TO Q13
v43
12. Of those program areas which you feel should receive decreased spending (NAME PROGRAMS), which one would you designate as your top priority for the decrease?
(CODE ONLY ONE PROGRAM)
01. Highways
02. Elderly
03. Public transportation
04. Public schools
05. Colleges/universities
06. Environment
07. Low income families
08. Industry development
09. Tourism
10. Energy Conservation
11. Combat crime
12. Prisons
13. Health care
98. DK
Now I'm going to read you some statements containing two opposing ideas that people have mentioned to us. Some people are not interested in either of them. If you are not interested in either, please tell me and we will go on to the next question.
v44
13. Some people think that state and local taxes should be reduced even if public services have to be cut. Others say we need these public services even if it means paying the same taxes. Which do you prefer - reducing taxes or maintaining services?
1. Reduce taxes
2. Other/depends
3. Maintain services
7. No interest (Skip to Q14)
8. DK (Skip to Q14)
v45
a. Do you feel mildly or strongly about this?
1. Strongly
2. Mildly
8. DK
v46
b. How much does this issue affect you? Choose a number between 1 and 5 to show its effect where 1 is not at all, 5 is a lot, and 2, 3, and 4 are in between.
1. Not at all
2.
3.
4.
5. A lot
8. DK
v47
c. How easy would it be for you to change your mind on this issue if new information became available? Choose a number between 1 and 5 to show how easy it would be for you to change where 1 is very easy and 5 is very hard.
1. Very easy
2.
3.
4.
5. Very hard
8. DK
v48
14. Some people think that taxes should be raised to provide more money for state road maintenance and construction. Others say the state should have to get by without extra tax money for roads even if our roads would not be as well maintained. Which do you prefer - raise taxes or get by without extra tax money?
1. Raise taxes
2. Other/depends
3. No extra tax money
7. No interest (Skip to Q15)
8. DK (Skip to Q15)
v49
a. Do you feel mildly or strongly about this?
1. Strongly
2. Mildly
8. DK
v50
b. How much does this issue affect you? Choose a number between 1 and 5 to show its effect where 1 is not at all, 5 is a lot, and 2, 3, and 4 are in between.
1. Not at all
2.
3.
4.
5. A lot
8. DK
v51
c. How easy would it be for you to change your mind on this issue if new information became available? Choose a number between 1 and 5 to show how easy it would be for you to change where 1 is very easy and 5 is very hard.
1. Very easy
2.
3.
4.
5. Very hard
8. DK
v52
15. Some people think that Florida should increase state spending to upgrade the quality of public schools. Others say that state spending for public schools should be kept at the present level even if the quality of the schools could not be improved. Which do you prefer - increase spending or keep at the present level?
1. Increase spending
2. Other/depends
3. Keep at present level
7. No interest (Skip to Q16)
8. DK (Skip to Q16)
v53
a. Do you feel mildly or strongly about this?
1. Strongly
2. Mildly
8. DK
v54
b. How much does this issue affect you? Choose a number between 1 and 5 to show its effect where 1 is not at all, 5 is a lot, and 2, 3, and 4 are in between.
1. Not at all
2.
3.
4.
5. A lot
8. DK
v55
c. How easy would it be for you to change your mind on this issue if new information became available? Choose a number between 1 and 5 to show how easy it would be for you to change where 1 is very easy and 5 is very hard.
1. Very easy
2.
3.
4.
5. Very hard
8. DK
v56
16. Some people say that Florida's utility companies should build new plants to keep up with the growing demand for electricity. Others say that the money should be spent to encourage consumer conservation of electricity. Which do you prefer - spending the money for new plants or spending it for greater conservation - or do you feel you are in the middle between the two positions?
1. New plants
2. Middle
3. Greater conservation
7. No interest
8. DK
v57
17. Some people say that the state should finance election campaigns of candidates for state office. Others say that election campaigns should be financed by private contributions. Which do you prefer – state financing or private contributions - or do you feel you are in the middle between these two positions?
1. State finance
2. Middle
3. Private donations
7. No interest
8. DK
Next let me ask you about crime.
v58
18. In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about the crime problem facing Florida. Personally speaking, how concerned have you been about this crime problem - extremely concerned, concerned, or somewhat concerned?
1. Extremely concerned
2. Concerned
3. Somewhat concerned
8. DK
v59
19. Within the past year or two, do you think that crime in your neighborhood has increased, decreased, or remained about the same?
0. Not lived here that long
1. Increased
2. About the same
3. Decreased
8. DK
v60
20. How safe and secure do you feel at home at night? Would you say very safe, somewhat safe, or not very safe?
1. Very safe
2. Somewhat safe
3. Not very safe
8. DK
21. Now I'm going to read you a list of crimes. Please tell me which ones you believe are not very serious, somewhat serious or are extremely serious.
1=Not very serious
2=Somewhat serious
3=Extremely serious
8=DK
v61
a. Breaking into a business that has closed for the night
1 2 3 8
v62
b. Possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use
1 2 3 8
v63
c. Taking money from another person using a gun or other weapon
1 2 3 8
v64
d. Shoplifting
1 2 3 8
v65
e. Using a weapon to attack another person
1 2 3 8
v66
f. Taking a radio or other property from an automobile
1 2 3 8
v67
g. Taking money from another person without using a gun or other weapon
1 2 3 8
22. Like most state legislatures, the Florida legislature permits judges to use a wide range of punishments for many crimes. I am going to read you the same list of crimes. For each one, please tell me the punishment you would impose for first time offenders. Would you impose no penalty, probation, or jail?
IF JAIL ASK: For how many years?
1=No penalty
2=Probation
3=Jail
____=Number of years
8=DK
v68 a. Breaking into a business that has closed for the night
1 2 3 _________ 8
v69 b. Possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use
1 2 3 _________ 8
v70 c. Taking money from another person using a gun or other weapon
1 2 3 _________ 8
v71 d. Shoplifting
1 2 3 _________ 8
v72 e. Using a weapon to attack another person
1 2 3 _________ 8
v73 f. Taking a radio or other property from an automobile
1 2 3 _________ 8
v74 g. Taking money from another person without using a gun or other weapon
1 2 3 _________ 8
v75
23. In many cases the law does not specify what sentence ought to be given. In these cases, some people believe that what the public wants ought to influence judges' decisions. Others say judges ought to decide for themselves what is best. How do you feel about this? Should judges do what the public wants or should judges do what they think is best?
1. What public thinks
2. What judges think
8. DK (Skip to Q24)
v76
23a. Do you feel strongly or mildly about that?
1. Strongly
2. Mildly
8. DK
v77
24. In general, do you think the courts in your area deal too harshly, deal about right, or do not deal harshly enough with criminals or don't you have enough information about the courts to say?
0. Not enough information
1. Too harshly
2. About right
3. Not harshly enough
8. DK
25. Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statements.
IF AGREE/DISAGREE, ASK: Do you strongly or mildly agree/disagree?
1=Strongly agree
2=Mildly agree
3=Mildly disagree
4=Strongly disagree
8=DK
v78
a. Judges should sentence people convicted of the same crime to the same length of time in prison.
1 2 3 4 8
v79
b. Judges should sentence people convicted of crimes to the longest prison term allowed by law.
1 2 3 4 8
v80
26. Now I’d like to ask you about a different subject -- your contacts with your close neighbors. I mean the ten to fifteen families living nearest to you.
a. In the last six months have you gotten together with any of these neighbors to chat or for a social visit?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q27)
8. DK (Skip to Q27)
IF YES ASK:
v81
b. How often do you~get together to chat or for a social visit with the neighbor you see most frequently? Would you say almost everyday, 1-3 times a week, 1-3 times a month, or less than once a month?
1. Almost everyday
2. 1-3 times a week
3. 1-3 times a month
4. Less than once a month
8. DK
v82
27. Have you gotten together with other people where you live or with any group or organization to discuss the problems of your neighborhood, city, or county in the last six months?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
v83
28. All things considered, how satisfed or dissatisfied are you with this neighborhood as a place to live?
IF SATISFIED/DISSATISFIED, ASK: Very or somewhat satisfied/dissatisfied?
1. Very satisfied
2. Somewhat satisfied
3. Pro/con
4. Somewhat dissatisfied
5. Very dissatisfied
8. DK
v84
29. How long have you lived in your present residence?
(SPECIFY YEARS OR MONTHS)
Finally, to make this study complete, we need to know a few things about your background.
v85
30. In politics today, do you think of yourself as a liberal, a conservative, or as middle-of-the-road, or don't you think of yourself in these terms?
IF CONSERVATIVE, ASK: Do you think of yourself as a strong or not so strong conservative?
IF MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD, ASK: Do you think of yourself as closer to liberals or closer to conservatives?
IF LIBERAL, ASK: Do you think of yourself as a strong or not so strong liberal?
0. Don't think in these terms
1. Strong conservative
2. Not so strong conservative
3. Closer to conservatives
4. Middle of the road/neither
5. Closer to liberals
6. Not so strong liberal
7. Strong liberal
8. DK
v86
31. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent or what?
IF REPUBLICAN, ASK: Would you call yourself a: 1. Strong Republican
2. Not so strong Republican
IF INDEPENDENT, ASK: Do you think of yourself as: 3. Closer to Republican
4. Independent/Neither
5. Closer to Democrats
IF DEMOCRAT, ASK: Would you call yourself a: 6. Not so strong Democrat
7. Strong Democrat
0. Other party
8. DK
CODE OTHER PARTIES ONLY IF VOLUNTEERED
v87
32 . Are you registered to vote in the state of Florida?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q33)
8. DK (Skip to Q33)
IF REGISTERED, ASK:
v88
32a. Are you registered as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or with some other party?
1. Republican
2. Independent
3. Democrat
0. Other party
8. DK
v89
33. Have you lived in Florida all your life?
IF YES, CODE AS 88.
IF NO, ASK: In what year did you move to Florida (CODE LAST 2 DIGITS)
v90
34. How many phone numbers does your home have?
1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four
5. Five
6. Six or more
v91
35. Do you own or rent your home?
1. Own
2. Rent
3. Other
8. DK
v92
36. And in what year were you born?
(CODE LAST 2 DIGITS)
v93
37. What was the highest grade or year of school you completed?
1. Eight years or less
2. 9-11 years (Skip to Q38)
3. Completed high school
4. Business/Technical
5. Some college
6. Completed college
7. Graduate/Professional
8. DK
IF ANY COLLEGE ASK:
v94
37a. What about your education after high school? Was all of it, a part of it, or none of it received at a technical vocational, or business training school?
1. All
2. Part
3. None
8. DK
v95
38. Are you currently employed?
1. Employed
2. Unemployed, looking (Skip to Q39)
3. Unemployed, not looking (Skip to Q39)
4. Retired (Skip to Q39]
5. Housewife (Skip to Q39)
6. Disabled (Skip to Q39)
8. DK (Skip to Q39)
IF NO, ASK:
38a. Are you currently looking for work?
v96
IF EMPLOYED, ASK:
38b. Could you tell me what your occupation is?
RECORD ANSWER VERBATIM
__________________________________________
v97
39. Could you tell me what your race is?
1. White
2. Black
3. Some other group ________________
8. DK
v98
40. Are you of Spanish origin?
IF YES, ASK:
Are you of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, or some other Spanish origin?
1. No
2. Yes, Cuban
3. Yes, Mexican
4. Yes, Puerto Rican
5. Yes, other
8. DK/NA
v99
41. Now, consider all sources of income for everyone living with you in 1982 before taxes. Please stop me when I get to your income level.
(READ CATEGORIES)
1. Under $5,000
2. $5,000 to $10,000
3. $10,000 to $15,000
4. $15,000 to $20,000
5. $20,000 to $25,000
6. $25,000 to $30,000
7. $30,000 to $40,000
8. Over $40,000
9. Refused
0. DK
That completes our survey. Thank you very much for your time and help. Good night.
DO NOT ASK:
v102
43. Sex of respondent
1. Male
2. Female