Florida Annual
Policy Survey
1997
Survey Research Laboratory
Florida State University
Survey was in field from January 15 to April 23, 1997
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**************** PART 1 -- FAMILY FINANCES *********************
>Q1< We are conducting a survey about issues facing the
state and hope you will talk to us for a few minutes.
Let me assure you before we begin that everything you say will remain [bold]confidential[n].
However, my
supervisor may be monitoring this call to evaluate my performance.
[loc 1/6]
We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days.
Would you say that you (and
your family) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?
<1> [bold]BETTER[n]
<2> VOLUNTEERED: SAME
<3> [bold]WORSE [n]
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q2< Now looking ahead, do you think that a year from
now you (and your family) will be better off financially or
worse off or about the same?
<1> BETTER
<2> SAME
<3> WORSE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q3< Now turning to business conditions in the country
as a whole--do you think that DURING THE NEXT 12 MONTHS we'll have good times
financially or bad times or what?
PROBE: Is that GOOD/BAD times with qualifications or just GOOD/BAD times?
<1> GOOD TIMES
<2> GOOD TIMES WITH QUALIFICATIONS
<3> PRO/CON (SR SAYS: "SAME" or "BOTH")
<4> BAD WITH QUALIFICATIONS
<5> BAD TIMES
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
**** PART 2--PROBLEMS (INC. GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENT QUESTIONS) ***
>Q4< What do you think is the most important problem facing the state of Florida?
[magenta]NOTE TO THE INTERVIEWER: Probe general responses such as crime or education.[n]
<x> PROBLEM MENTIONED (SPECIFY)[specify]
<97> NO PROBLEMS
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
********* PART 3: EVALUATIONS OF STATE PROGRAMS ****************
>Q5< Next, we would like your evaluation of some state
programs.
How would you rate social services for the poor, disabled, and elderly? Are
they excellent, good, fair or poor?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW/UNFAMILIAR WITH SOCIAL SERVICES
===>
[back to top]
>Q6< How about the maintenance of roads and highways
where you live? Is the maintenance excellent, good, fair or
poor?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW/UNFAMILIAR WITH MAINTENANCE
===>
[back to top]
>Q7< In general, would you say that law enforcement where you live is excellent, good, fair or poor?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW/UNFAMILIAR WITH LAW ENFROCEMENT
===>
[back to top]
>Q8< And how about the state colleges and universities in Florida, would you say that they are excellent, good, fair, poor, or aren't you familiar with them?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW/UNFAMILIAR WITH STATE SCHOOLS
===>
[back to top]
>Q9< In general, would you say that the public schools, grades kindergarten through twelve, where you live are excellent, good, fair, poor, or aren't you familiar with the local schools?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW/UNFAMILIAR WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS
===>
[back to top]
>E1< What about standards in our public schools (K-12) in the last several years, have they been set at a level that is too low, too high, or at about the right level to be sure that our students are getting a good education?
[loc 4/6]
<1> TOO LOW A LEVEL
<2> ABOUT THE RIGHT LEVEL
<3> TOO HIGH A LEVEL
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>E2< Have you read or heard anything about the NEW educational standards, called the Sunshine State Standards, that the Florida Department of Education has recently adopted for Florida's public schools K-12?
<1> YES [goto E3]
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto E6]
[back to top]
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS E3--E5 ARE ASKED ONLY OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HEARD OF THE NEW STANDARDS
>E3< How did you find out about the new Sunshine State Standards?
DO NOT READ ANSWERS:
<1> RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL
<2> FROM MY CHILD
<3> FROM MY CHILD'S TEACHER
<4> NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES
<5> TELEVISION
<6> RADIO
<7> INTERNET, E-MAIL, COMPUTER
<8> EMPLOYED WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM
<9> OTHER, [specify] SPECIFY
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>E4< Do you think that teachers in Florida's public
schools are aware that the new Sunshine State Standards are in
effect?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>E5< How would you rate your knowledge of these new
Sunshine State Standards--would you say that you have been:
READ RESPONSES
<1> VERY WELL INFORMED ABOUT THE STANDARDS
<2> SOMEWHAT INFORMED
<3> POORLY INFORMED
<4> VERY POORLY INFORMED ABOUT THE STANDARDS
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ARE ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS:
>E6< Do you think that new sets of standards would be harder for the students to meet, easier for students to meet, or present about the same level of difficulty as the old standards?
IF HARDER OR EASIER, ASK: Would you say MUCH
harder/easier, or just harder/easier?
<1> MUCH HARDER TO MEET
<2> HARDER TO MEET
<3> SAME LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
<4> EASIER TO MEET
<5> MUCH EASIER TO MEET
<8> CAN'T JUDGE/DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>E7< Are you aware that in 1998, students in Florida's public schools will take a test to see how well they are doing at meeting the new standards?
<1> YES [goto E7b]
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto E8]
[back to top]
>E7b< How do you think the students will do on this
new test? Do you think:
READ RESPONSES
<1> ALL OR MOST OF THE STUDENTS WILL MEET THE NEW STANDARDS
<2> BETWEEN ONE-HALF AND THREE-QUARTERS OF THE STUDENTS WILL MEET THE
NEW STANDARDS
<3> HALF THE STUDENTS WILL MEET THE NEW STANDARDS
<4> LESS THAN HALF OF THE STUDENTS WILL MEET THE NEW STANDARDS
<5> OTHER SPECIFY [specify]
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>E8< Do you feel that you need more information about the new educational standards being adopted in Florida?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>E9< Where would you get information about new developments in education, such as new educational standards and tests, to see how well the standards are being met? Would you say that YOU would be most likely to get this information from:
READ RESPONSES
<1> SCHOOLS
<2> STUDENTS
<3> TEACHERS
<4> NEWSPAPERS OR MAGAZINES
<5> TELEVISION
<6> RADIO, OR
<7> SOME OTHER SOURCE? SPECIFY [specify]
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>E10< Do you currently have any children who attend
a Florida public school at the high school level or lower (DO NOT
INCLUDE COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES)?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
******** PART 4: FINANCIAL PRIORITIES FOR STATE ****************
>fpin< Now I'm going to ask you some questions about spending by the [bold]state
government[n] 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 [green]increased, kept at the present level, or decreased[n].
If you don't have any feelings about a program, let me know and I will go on.
[loc 1/16]
TYPE <g> TO GO ON
===>
[back to top]
>Q10< State highways and road systems
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Do you think these programs should be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> OR DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q11< Programs for public schools (K-12)
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Should they be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> OR DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q12< Programs for state colleges and universities
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Should they be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> OR DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q13< Programs to protect the environment
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Should they be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> OR DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q14< Programs for low income families with children
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Should they be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q15< Programs to combat crime
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Should they be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> OR DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q16< Programs for health care services
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Should they be:
<1> INCREASED
<2> KEPT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL
<3> OR DECREASED
<8> DON'T KNOW/NO FEELINGS
===>
[back to top]
>Q17< Now think 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?
[bold]The Florida state sales tax[n]
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Do you think 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> DON'T PAY THIS TAX
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q18< The local property tax
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Do you think 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> DON'T PAY THIS TAX
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q19< The state gasoline tax
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY
Do you think 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> DON'T PAY THIS TAX
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q20< How wisely do you feel state officials have
used the new tax revenues they have raised in the last several
years? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> VERY WISELY
<2> SOMEWHAT WISELY
<3> NOT VERY WISELY, OR
<4> NOT WISELY AT ALL
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q21< For the state taxes you pay, how much do you
feel you and your family receive in benefits and services from the state government
in return? Would you say you receive:
READ RESPONSES
<1> MORE THAN YOU PAY
<2> ABOUT WHAT YOU PAY
<3> SOMEWHAT LESS THAN YOU PAY, OR
<4> MUCH LESS THAN YOU PAY
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q22< Now, I want you to rate the job some of our elected officials are doing.
How would you rate the job that Lawton Chiles has been doing as governor?
Would you say excellent, good,
fair, or poor?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q23< How would you rate the job that Bob Graham has
been doing as United States Senator from Florida?
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY.
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q24< How would you rate the job that Connie Mack has been doing as United States Senator from Florida?
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY.
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q25< How would you rate the job that your representative in the United States House of Representatives has been doing? Would you say....
PROBE: THE ONE WHO SERVED IN CONGRESS DURING 1995
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR, OR
<5> DON'T YOU KNOW WHO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IS? [goto Q26]
<8> VOLUNTEERED: DON'T KNOW HOW GOOD A JOB HE'S DOING, BUT KNOW WHO HE
IS
===>
[back to top]
>Q25b< In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic an elected official should have to be a good representative?
<x> CHARACTERISTIC--BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT BEING TOO LONG[specify]
<998> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q26< How would you rate the job that Bill Clinton
has done as president over the last four years? Would you say....
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR, OR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q26b< How would you rate the job that Bill Clinton
has done handling the [bold] ECONOMY [n] in the last four years?
READ AS NECESSARY: Would you say. . .
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q26c< How would you rate the job that Bill Clinton has done handling [bold] FOREIGN POLICY [n] in the last four years?
READ AS NECESSARY: Would you say. . .
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
************* PART 6 -- TRUST QUESTIONS A **************
>Q27< Thinking now of state government in Tallahassee.
How much of the time do you think you can trust Florida state government to
do what is right--
(READ RESPONSES)
<1> JUST ABOUT ALWAYS
<2> MOST OF THE TIME, OR
<3> ONLY SOME OF THE TIME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q28< How much of each tax dollar you pay to [bold]STATE[n]
government would you say is wasted? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> ALL OF IT
<2> MOST OF IT
<3> SOME OF IT, OR
<4> HARDLY ANY OF IT
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q29< How well represented in the STATE government are you and people like you? Are you well represented or poorly represented?
IF POORLY: Are you somewhat or very poorly represented?
IF WELL: Are you somewhat or very well represented?
<1> VERY WELL REPRESENTED
<2> WELL REPRESENTED
<3> POORLY REPRESENTED
<4> VERY POORLY REPRESENTED
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q30< Over the years how much attention do you feel
state government pays to what the people think--a good deal, some, or not much?
<1> A GOOD DEAL
<2> SOME
<3> NOT MUCH
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q31< Thinking now about the FEDERAL government in
Washington, D.C. How much of the time do you think you can trust the government
in Washington D.C. to do what is right--
READ RESPONSES
<1> JUST ABOUT ALWAYS
<2> MOST OF THE TIME, OR
<3> ONLY SOME OF THE TIME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q32< Would you say the country is pretty much run
by a few big interests looking out for themselves or that it is run for the
benefit of all the people?
PROBE: By big interests I mean SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> STRONGLY - FEW BIG INTERESTS
<2> FEW BIG INTERESTS
<3> BENEFIT OF ALL
<4> STRONGLY - BENEFIT OF ALL
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q33< How much of each tax dollar you pay to the [bold]federal government[n] in Washington D.C. would you say is wasted - all of it, most of it, some of it, or hardly any of it?
<1> ALL OF IT
<2> MOST OF IT
<3> SOME OF IT
<4> HARDLY ANY OF IT
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q34< How well represented in the FEDERAL government are you and people like you? Are you well represented or poorly represented?
IF POORLY: Are you somewhat or very poorly represented?
IF WELL: Are you somewhat or very well represented?
<1> VERY WELL REPRESENTED
<2> WELL REPRESENTED
<3> POORLY REPRESENTED
<4> VERY POORLY REPRESENTED
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
********************TRUSTWORTHINESS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS******
>A1< There also has been a lot of talk recently about
the trustworthiness of elected officials. I'll be asking you how trustworthy
you think a couple of elected officials are. If you do NOT know who the person
is, let me know and I'll go on to the next person. If you do not have enough
information to answer a particular question, let me know and I can go on to
the next question.
[loc 3/6]
The first official is Senator Bob Graham.
Of the promises Bob Graham made when he was running for office, how many do
you think he has kept?
Would you say: READ RESPONSES
<1> ALL OF THEM
<2> MOST OF THEM
<3> ONLY SOME OF THEM OR
<4> NONE OF THEM
<7> DON'T KNOW WHO BOB GRAHAM IS [goto A5]
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>A2< How often do you think Bob Graham has used his
position to benefit himself personally? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> MOST OF THE TIME
<2> SOME OF THE TIME OR
<3> RARELY EVER
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>A3< How would you rate Bob Graham's honesty? Would
you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> VERY HONEST
<2> SOMEWHAT HONEST
<3> SOMEWHAT DISHONEST
<4> VERY DISHONEST
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A4< How often do you feel you can trust Bob Graham
to do what is right?
READ RESPONSES
<1> ALMOST ALWAYS
<2> MOST OF THE TIME OR
<3> ONLY SOME OF THE TIME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A5< The next official is Senator Connie Mack.
Of the promises Connie Mack made when he was running for office, how many do
you think he has kept?
Would you say: READ RESPONSES
<1> ALL OF THEM
<2> MOST OF THEM
<3> ONLY SOME OF THEM OR
<4> NONE OF THEM
<7> DON'T KNOW WHO CONNIE MACK IS [goto A9]
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>A6< How often do you think Connie Mack has used his
position to benefit himself personally? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> MOST OF THE TIME
<2> SOME OF THE TIME OR
<3> RARELY EVER
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>A7< How would you rate Connie Mack's honesty? Would
you say: READ RESPONSES
<1> VERY HONEST
<2> SOMEWHAT HONEST
<3> SOMEWHAT DISHONEST
<4> VERY DISHONEST
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A8< How often do you feel you can trust Connie Mack
to do what is right?
READ RESPONSES
<1> ALMOST ALWAYS
<2> MOST OF THE TIME OR
<3> ONLY SOME OF THE TIME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A9< The last official is President Bill Clinton.
Of the promises Bill Clinton made when he was running for office, how many
do you think he has kept?
Would you say: READ RESPONSES
<1> ALL OF THEM
<2> MOST OF THEM
<3> ONLY SOME OF THEM OR
<4> NONE OF THEM
<7> DON'T KNOW WHO BILL CLINTON IS [goto A13]
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>A10< How often do you think Bill Clinton has used
his position to benefit himself personally? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> MOST OF THE TIME
<2> SOME OF THE TIME OR
<3> RARELY EVER
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW/CAN'T JUDGE
===>
[back to top]
>A11< How would you rate Bill Clinton's honesty? Would
you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> VERY HONEST
<2> SOMEWHAT HONEST
<3> SOMEWHAT DISHONEST
<4> VERY DISHONEST
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A12< How often do you feel you can trust Bill Clinton to do what is right?
READ RESPONSES
<1> ALMOST ALWAYS
<2> MOST OF THE TIME OR
<3> ONLY SOME OF THE TIME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A13< Do you think it is better for the country to
have the president come from one political party while the United States Congress
is controlled by the other political party? Or is it better for the president
to come from the same party that controls the United States Congress?
<1> DIFFERENT PARTIES CONTROL EACH
<2> SAME PARTY CONTROLS BOTH
<3> VOLUNTEERED: IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE
<x> OTHER SPECIFY [specify]
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A14< Do you think that the disagreements between
the president and Congress, which happen when the president comes from one party
and the Congress is controlled by the other party, are good or bad for the country?
PROBE: Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> STRONGLY THAT IT IS GOOD FOR COUNTRY
<2> GOOD FOR COUNTRY
<3> BAD FOR COUNTRY
<4> STRONGLY THAT IT IS BAD FOR COUNTRY
<5> VOLUNTEERED: IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A15< As a result of the recent congressional elections which political party controls the U.S. Senate--the Democrats or the Republicans?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>A16< As a result of those elections, which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives--the Democrats or the Republicans?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q35< How would you rate the job the Florida legislature,
in Tallahassee, is doing?
[loc 1/53]
Would you say excellent, good, fair or poor?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q36< How would you rate the job the United States
Congress in Washington D.C. is doing? Would you say...
READ RESPONSES
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR, OR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
***********PART 7--NATIONAL ISSUE QUESTIONS**************
>BINT< Now I'm going to ask some questions about national issues and the
federal government in Washington, D.C. I'll read you two opposing statements
and ask you to respond to them. Ask me to repeat the statements if you need
to hear them again. If you are not familiar enough with some of these issues
to have a position, tell me and I will go on.
[loc 3/24]
TYPE <g> to go on
>B1< Is the government in Washington too powerful for the good of the country and the individual person? OR do you feel that the powers of the government in Washington are not TOO great considering the serious problems it must solve?
OR do you feel you are in the middle between these two positions?
IF TOO POWERFUL OR NOT TOO GREAT, ASK: Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> STRONGLY GOV'T IS TOO POWERFUL
<2> GOV'T IS TOO POWERFUL
<3> MIDDLE
<4> GOV'T POWER IS NOT TOO GREAT
<5> STRONGLY GOV'T POWER IS NOT TOO GREAT
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>B2< Should the government in Washington, D.C. see to it that every person has a job and a good standard of living? Or should the government just let each person get ahead on his own? Or do you feel you are in the middle between these two positions?
IF GOVERNMENT PROVIDES JOBS OR GET AHEAD ON OWN, ASK:
Do you feel strongly or not so stronly about that?
<1> STRONGLY GOV'T PROVIDES JOBS
<2> GOV'T PROVIDES JOBS
<3> MIDDLE
<4> GET AHEAD ON OWN
<5> STRONGLY GET AHEAD ON OWN
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>B3< Should the government in Washington make every effort to improve the social and economic position of blacks and other minorities? Or should the government make no special effort to help minorities because they can help themselves? Or do you feel you are in the middle between these two positions?
IF SPECIAL EFFORT OR GET AHEAD ON OWN, ASK:
Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> STRONGLY SPECIAL EFFORT
<2> SPECIAL EFFORT
<3> MIDDLE
<4> HELP THEMSELVES
<5> STRONGLY HELP THEMSELVES
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>B4< Recently there has been a lot of talk about women's rights. Some people feel that women should have an equal role with men in running business, industry, and government. Others feel that a woman's place is in the home. Still others are in the middle between these two positions. How about you, which position is closer to the way you feel?
PROBE: IF WOMEN HAVE EQUAL ROLE OR WOMEN IN HOME, ASK:
Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> Strongly women should have an equal role with men
<2> Women should have an equal role
<3> Middle
<4> Women's place is in home
<5> Strongly a women's place is in the home
<8> Don't know/no opinion
<9> NA
===>
[back to top]
>B5< Do you favor or oppose laws to protect women against
discrimination in the workplace?
Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> Strongly favor
<2> Favor
<3> Oppose
<4> Strongly oppose
<8> Don't know/no opinion
<9> NA
===>
[back to top]
>B6< Do you favor or oppose laws that put a limit on a woman's ability to get an abortion within the first three months of pregnancy?
PROBE: The laws limit a woman's ability to get an abortion.
Do you feel strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> Strongly favor
<2> Favor
<3> Oppose
<4> Strongly oppose
<8> Don't Know
<9> NA
===>
[back to top]
>Q37< Do you think there are major differences between
what the Republican and Democratic parties stand for, minor
differences, or no differences at all between the two parties?
[loc 1/55]
<1> MAJOR DIFFERENCES
<2> MINOR DIFFERENCES
<3> NO DIFFERENCES
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>B7< Please tell me whether the Democrats or the Republicans
are closer to your position on the following issues...
[loc 3/31]
Domestic policy including issues such as social programs, minimum wages,and
unemployment.
Which party is closer to your opinion, the Democrats or the Republicans?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<3> VOLUNTEERED: BOTH THE SAME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEITHER
<8> DON'T KNOW
<9> NOT APPLICABLE
===>
[back to top]
>B8< Defense policy including issues such as the defense
budget, weapons systems, and military bases.
Which party is closer to your opinion, the Democrats or the Republicans?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<3> VOLUNTEERED: BOTH THE SAME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEITHER
<8> DON'T KNOW
<9> NOT APPLICABLE
===>
[back to top]
>B9< Economic policy including issues such as reducing
the deficit, taxes, and setting budget priorities.
Which party is closest to your opinion, the Democrats or the Republicans?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<3> VOLUNTEERED: BOTH THE SAME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEITHER
<8> DON'T KNOW
<9> NOT APPLICABLE
===>
[back to top]
>B10< Moral issues such as abortion, school prayer,
and policies dealing with the family.
Which party is closest to your opinion, the Democrats or the Republicans?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<3> VOLUNTEERED: BOTH THE SAME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEITHER
<8> DON'T KNOW
<9> NOT APPLICABLE
===>
[back to top]
>B11< On STATE issues, do you generally feel that you are closer to the Republicans, or closer to the Democrats?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<3> VOLUNTEERED: BOTH THE SAME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEITHER
<8> DON'T KNOW
<9> NOT APPLICABLE
===>
[back to top]
>B12< On NATIONAL issues, do you generally feel that you are closer to the Republicans, or closer to the Democrats?
<1> DEMOCRATS
<2> REPUBLICANS
<3> VOLUNTEERED: BOTH THE SAME
<4> VOLUNTEERED: NEITHER
<8> DON'T KNOW
<9> NOT APPLICABLE
===>
[back to top]
>B13< How important is it to you to support a particular
political party? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> VERY IMPORTANT
<2> SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT
<3> SOMEWHAT UNIMPORTANT
<4> VERY UNIMPORTANT
===>
[back to top]
>Q38< Some people seem to follow what's going on in
government and public affairs most of the time, and others aren't that interested.
How interested are you in the national government in Washington, and national
politics--very interested, somewhat interested, a little interested, or not
at all interested?
[loc 1/56]
<1> VERY INTERESTED
<2> SOMEWHAT INTERESTED
<3> A LITTLE INTERESTED
<4> NOT AT ALL INTERESTED
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>B14< Where do you get most of your information about
national politics?
READ RESPONSES
[loc 3/38] [allow 2]
<1> Newspapers
<2> News magazines
<3> Television
<4> Radio
<5> Friends, relatives, coworkers
<6> Or some other source[specify] SPECIFY
<7> VOLUNTEERED: DOESN'T FOLLOW NAT'L POLITICS
<98> DON'T KNOW/NO OPINION
<99> NA
===>
[back to top]
>B15< Where do you get most of your information about
state politics?
READ RESPONSES
[allow 2]
<1> Newspapers
<2> News magazines
<3> Television
<4> Radio
<5> Friends, relatives, coworkers
<6> Or some other source[specify] SPECIFY
<7> VOLUNTEERED: DOESN'T FOLLOW STATE POLITICS
<98> DON'T KNOW/NO OPINION
<99> NA
===>
[back to top]
>C1< There are many ways in which public officials such
as Senators can have contact with Floridians. Please tell me if you have had
contact with or learned anything about either of Florida's SENATORS in the following
ways.
Met Bob Graham or Connie Mack personally?
<1> YES [goto C1B]
<2> NO
===> [goto C2]
[back to top]
>C1B< Which Senator did you meet?
<1> BOB GRAHAM
<2> CONNIE MACK
<3> BOTH OF THEM
<4> SOMEONE ELSE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>C2< Attended a meeting or gathering where either spoke?
<1> yes [goto C2B]
<2> no
===> [goto C3]
[back to top]
>C2B< Which Senator did you see?
<1> BOB GRAHAM
<2> CONNIE MACK
<3> BOTH OF THEM
<4> SOMEONE ELSE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>C3< Talked to a member of his staff or someone in
his office?
<1> YES [goto C3B]
<2> NO
===> [goto C4]
[back to top]
<1> BOB GRAHAM
<2> CONNIE MACK
<3> BOTH OF THEM
<4> SOMEONE ELSE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>C4< Known someone who has had contact with him?
<1> YES [goto C4B]
<2> NO
===>[goto Q39]
[back to top]
>C4B< Which Senator did they have contact with?
<1> BOB GRAHAM
<2> CONNIE MACK
<3> BOTH OF THEM
<4> SOMEONE ELSE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q39< Since January of [bold]1996 [n]have you: Attended
a political meeting, dinner or rally?
[loc 1/57]
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q40< Have you contributed money to or bought tickets to help a political party or candidate since January [bold]1996?[n]
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q41< Have you worn a campaign button or put a campaign sticker on your car (since January[bold] 1996 [n])?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q42< Have you done any other work for a party, candidate, or issue?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q43< Since January[bold] 1996 [n]have you written a letter to any public officials, giving them your opinion about something?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>D1< Did you vote in the [yellow]1992[n] [bold]Presidential
election [n]--the one in which Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Ross Perot ran?
[loc 3/50]
<1> YES [goto D1B]
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto Q44]
[back to top]
>D1B< Did you vote for George Bush, Bill Clinton,
Ross Perot or someone else for president in the [yellow]1992[n] [bold] Presidential
election?[n]
<1> GEORGE BUSH
<2> BILL CLINTON
<3> ROSS PEROT
<4> OTHER
<7> REFUSED
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q44< Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself
as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or what?
[loc 1/62]
REPUBLICAN: Would you call yourself a strong Republican or a not so strong Republican?
<1> STRONG REPUBLICAN [goto R1]
<2> NOT SO STRONG REPUBLICAN [goto R1]
INDEPENDENT: Do you think of yourself as closer to Republicans or closer to
the Democrats?
<3> CLOSER TO THE REPUBLICANS [goto R3]
<4> INDEPENDENT/NEITHER [goto R3]
<5> CLOSER TO THE DEMOCRATS [goto R3]
DEMOCRAT: Would you call yourself a strong Democrat or a not so strong Democrat?
<6> NOT SO STRONG DEMOCRAT [goto R2]
<7> STRONG DEMOCRAT [goto R2]
[bold][magenta]
<8> OTHER SPECIFY [specify]
<98> DON'T KNOW [n][n]
===>[goto Q45]
[back to top]
>R1< Have you always thought of yourself as a Republican,
or was there a time when you thought you were a Democrat,
an Independent, or something else?
IF YES: What did you think of yourself as?
<1> YES, ALWAYS THOUGHT OF SELF AS REPUBLICAN
<2> INDEPENDENT
<3> DEMOCRAT
<4> SOMETHING ELSE [specify] SPECIFY
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto Q45]
[back to top]
>R2< Have you always thought of yourself as a DEMOCRAT,
or was there a time when you thought you were a Republican
or an Independent, or something else?
IF YES: What did you think of yourself as?
<1> REPUBLICAN
<2> INDEPENDENT
<3> YES, ALWAYS THOUGHT OF SELF AS DEMOCRAT
<4> SOMETHING ELSE [specify] SPECIFY
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto Q45]
[back to top]
>R3< Have you always thought of yourself as a Independent, or was there a time when you thought you were a Republican, a Democrat, or something else?
IF YES: What did you think of yourself as?
<1> REPUBLICAN
<2> YES, ALWAYS THOUGHT OF SELF AS INDEPENDENT
<3> DEMOCRAT
<4> SOMETHING ELSE [specify] SPECIFY
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q45< In politics today, do you think of yourself as a conservative, as middle of the road, as a liberal, or don't think of yourself in these terms?
<1> CONSERVATIVE
<2> MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
<3> LIBERAL
<4> DON'T THINK IN THESE TERMS
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>D2< In the recent presidential campaign which candidate's
plans for the ECONOMY were closer to your position on this issue:
READ RESPONSES
[loc 3/52]
<1> BOB DOLE'S
<2> BILL CLINTON'S
<3> ROSS PEROT'S
<4> SOME OTHER CANDIDATE
<5> NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, OR
<8> HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR PLANS TO KNOW?
===>
[back to top]
>D3< Which candidate's stand on ABORTION was closer
to your position on this issue:
READ RESPONSES
<1> BOB DOLE'S
<2> BILL CLINTON'S
<3> ROSS PEROT'S
<4> SOME OTHER CANDIDATE
<5> NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, OR
<8> HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR PLANS TO KNOW?
===>
[back to top]
>D4< Which candidate's plans for HEALTH CARE were closer
to your position on this issue:
READ RESPONSES
<1> BOB DOLE'S
<2> BILL CLINTON'S
<3> ROSS PEROT'S
<4> SOME OTHER CANDIDATE
<5> NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, OR
<8> HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR PLANS TO KNOW?
===>
[back to top]
>D5< Which candidate's plans for REDUCING THE DEFICIT
were closer to your position on this issue:
READ RESPONSES
<1> BOB DOLE'S
<2> BILL CLINTON'S
<3> ROSS PEROT'S
<4> SOME OTHER CANDIDATE
<5> NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, OR
<8> HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR PLANS TO KNOW?
===>
[back to top]
>D6< Which candidate's stand on FOREIGN POLICY ISSUES
was closer to your position on this issue:
READ RESPONSES
<1> BOB DOLE'S
<2> BILL CLINTON'S
<3> ROSS PEROT'S
<4> SOME OTHER CANDIDATE
<5> NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, OR
<8> HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ENOUGH ABOUT THEIR PLANS TO KNOW?
===>
[back to top]
>D7< What kind of job do you think Ross Perot would have done as president?
Would you say excellent, good, fair or poor?
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>D8< What kind of job would Bob Dole have done if he
had been elected? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>D9< What kind of job do you think Bill Clinton will
do in his second term as president?
Would you say: READ RESPONSES
<1> EXCELLENT
<2> GOOD
<3> FAIR
<4> POOR
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q46< At present, are you registered to vote in the
state of Florida?
[loc 1/71]
IF NO, ASK: Are you currently registered to vote in another state?
<1> YES [goto Q46b]
<2> NO
<3> NO, REGISTERED IN ANOTHER STATE
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto F3]
[back to top]
>Q46b< Are you registered as a: [allow 2]
<1> Republican
<2> Independent or
<3> Democrat
<7> OTHER (SPECIFY) [specify]
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>F1< Did you register to vote before 1993 or did you
register in 1993 or later?
[loc 3/60]
<1> BEFORE 1993 [goto F4]
<2> IN 1993 OR LATER
<8> DON'T REMEMBER
===>
[back to top]
>F2< Did you register to vote at a driver's license bureau, or when you renewed or applied for your driver's license?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T REMEMBER
===>[goto F4]
[back to top]
>F3< What is the most important reason you are not registered to vote?
DO NOT READ RESPONSES
<0> NO REASON
<1> NOT ELIGIBLE (NOT A RESIDENT OR CITIZEN)
<2> INCONVENIENT TO REGISTER
<3> PURGED FROM ROLLS AND DIDN'T KNOW
<4> NEW RESIDENT TO STATE
<5> DON'T HAVE ENOUGH INFO ABOUT REGISTERING
<6> DON'T LIKE POLITICS/POLITICIANS
<7> VOTE DOESN'T MATTER/DOESN'T COUNT
<8> CANDIDATES ALL THE SAME (CROOKS, CHEATS, ETC)
<9> OTHER (SPECIFY) [specify]
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto Q47]
[back to top]
II. QUESTIONS ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE:
A. PARTICIPATION IN THE 1996 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
>F4< In talking to people about elections we often find
a lot of people weren't able to vote because they weren't registered, or they
were sick, or they just didn't have time. How about you, did you vote in the
recent presidential election (the one held in
November 1996)?
<1> YES [goto F5]
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto Q47]
[back to top]
>F5< In the presidential race did you vote for Bob Dole, Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, or someone else?
<1> BOB DOLE
<2> BILL CLINTON
<3> ROSS PEROT
<4> SOMEONE ELSE [specify]
<7> REFUSED
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>F6< In the race for the United States House of Representatives,
did you vote for the incumbent, or did you vote for the challenger? Or don't
you remember?
PROBE: The incumbent is the person already holding the office who is running
again, the challenger is the person trying to win the office from the incumbent.
<1> INCUMBENT
<2> CHALLENGER
<3> THERE WAS NO INCUMBENT
<7> REFUSED
<8> DON'T REMEMBER/DON'T KNOW
NOTE: IN SOME DISTRICTS THERE WAS NO INCUMBENT.
===>
[back to top]
>F7< In the race for U.S. House of Representatives,
did you vote for the Republican or the Democrat?
<1> REPUBLICAN
<2> DEMOCRAT
<3> OTHER [specify] SPECIFY
<8> DON'T KNOW/REFUSED/DON'T REMEMBER
===>
[back to top]
***************** DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS *****************
>Q47< Finally, to be sure we have a representative sample
of Floridians, we need to know a few things about your background.
[loc 2/6]
What is your current marital status?
<1> MARRIED
<2> SEPARATED OR DIVORCED
<3> WIDOW OR WIDOWER
<4> SINGLE
<5> OTHER (SPECIFY)[specify]
===>
[back to top]
>Q48< How many children do you have?
<0> NONE [goto Q49]
<1-97> ENTER ACTUAL NUMBER
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q48b< How many of your children are under the age of 18?
<0> NONE [goto Q49]
<1-97> ENTER ACTUAL NUMBER
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q48c< How many of your children 18 years or younger attend public schools in Florida?
<0> NONE
<1-97> ACTUAL NUMBER
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q49< And in what year were you born?
CODE THE ENTIRE YEAR, E.G. 1946.
<1880-1979> BIRTH YEAR
<1996> REFUSED/DON'T KNOW
<1999> MINOR - Ineligible [goto Q49b]
===> [goto Q50]
[back to top]
>Q50< Have you lived in Florida all your life?
PROBE: Were you born in Florida?
<1> YES [goto Q52]
<2> NO
===>
[back to top]
>Q51< In what year did you move to Florida?
CODE THE ENTIRE YEAR--E.G., 1980.
<1800-1994> YEAR MOVED TO FLORIDA
<1995> YEAR MOVED TO FLORIDA
<1996> YEAR MOVED TO FLORIDA
<9998> DON'T KNOW/REFUSED
===>
[back to top]
>Q52< What was the highest grade or year of school
you completed?
<1> Eight years or less
<2> 9-11 years
<3> Completed high school
<4> Business or technical school
<5> Some college
<6> Completed college
<7> Graduate or professional school
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q53< What is your race? (IF OTHER ASK: Are you white
or black?)
<1> WHITE
<2> BLACK
<3> ASIAN
<4> OTHER (SPECIFY: e.g. mulatto)[specify]
<7> REFUSED
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q54< Are you of Spanish or Hispanic 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 (SPECIFY)[specify]
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q55< Are you Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, something else, or don't you have a religious affiliation?
<1> PROTESTANT [goto Q56]
<2> CATHOLIC [goto Q56]
<3> JEWISH
<4> MUSLIM
<5> OTHER CHRISTIAN: BAPTIST, SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST, CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST,
LUTHERAN,
MORMON, METHODIST, ETC.
(SPECIFY)[specify][goto Q56]
<x> OTHER NON-CHRISTIAN (SPECIFY) [specify]
<6> ATHEIST
<95> NONE
<98> DON'T KNOW
===>[goto Q57]
[back to top]
CHRISTIANS ONLY
>Q56< Do you consider yourself to be a born again Christian?
<1> YES
<2> NO
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q57< Do you own or rent your home?
<1> OWN
<2> RENT
<3> OTHER (SPECIFY) [specify]
<8> DON'T KNOW
===>
[back to top]
>Q60< Now, consider all sources of income for everyone
living with you in 1996, before taxes. Please stop me when I get to your income
level.
READ CATEGORIES.
PROBE: In what [bold]general[n] category does your total household income fall?
<1> Under $5000 <10> $60,000 to 70,000
<2> $5,000 to 10,000 <11> $70,000 to 80,000
<3> $10,000 to 15,000 <12> $80,000 to 90,000
<4> $15,000 to 20,000 <13> $90,000 to 100,000
<5> $20,000 to 25,000 <14> Over $100,000
<6> $25,000 to 30,000 <97> Refused
<7> $30,000 to 40,000 <98> Don't Know
<8> $40,000 to 50,000
<9> $50,000 to 60,000
===>
[back to top]
<1> Male
<2> Female
===>
[back to top]