In July 2025, a public opinion survey found that only *****percent of Americans felt that the economy was in an excellent state. Of the Americans surveyed, ***percent considered the economy to be in a poor state.

The Chicago Council Surveys are part of a long-running series of public opinion surveys conducted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs beginning in 1974. They were conducted quadrennially from 1974 to 2002, biennially from 2002 to 2014, and are now conducted annually. The surveys are designed to investigate the opinions and attitudes of the general public on matters related to foreign policy, and to define the parameters of public opinion within which decision-makers must operate. This public opinion study of the United States focused on respondents' opinions of the United States' leadership role in the world and the challenges the country faces domestically and internationally. Data were collected on a wide range of international topics, including: United States' relations with other countries, role in foreign affairs, possible threats to vital interests in the next ten years, foreign policy goals, situations that might justify the use of United States troops in other parts of the world, international trade, United States' participation in potential treaties, U.S. policy towards Russia in Ukraine, the embargo on Cuba and the effects of renewed diplomatic relations with Havana, views of the nuclear deal with Iran and what effects that deal is likely to have, and United States' relations with allies in Asia. Respondents were also asked their opinion on domestic issues including climate change, measures to improve the United States' economic competitiveness, and their views on US immigration policy. Demographic information collected includes age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, left-right political self-placement, political affiliation, employment status, highest level of education, and religious preference, household income, state of residence, and living quarters ownership status.

This survey shows the public opinion of world's leading economic power from 2000 to 2012 in the United States. In 2012, ** percent of respondents stated that China would be the world's leading economic power.

In August 2025, nine percent of survey respondents said that the most important problem facing the United States was the high cost of living and inflation. Another 24 percent said that the government and poor leadership was the most serious concern for the nation.

This survey focuses on important problems for government, rating of President Clinton and the state of the nation, political party unity, NAFTA, postal service, knowledge of US economy, health care, environment, commercial advertising campaigns, eating at a restaurant, and historical rating of Franklin Roosevelt.

This study is part of a quadrennial series designed to investigate the opinions and attitudes of the general public and a select group of opinion leaders on matters related to foreign policy, and to define the parameters of public opinion within which decision-makers must operate. Part 1 consists of data acquired from interviews of leaders with foreign policy power, specialization, and expertise. These include Congressional members or their senior staff, university administrators and academics who teach in the area of international relations, journalists and editorial staff who handle international news, administration officials and other senior staff in various agencies and offices dealing with foreign policy, religious leaders, senior business executives from FORTUNE 1,000 corporations, labor presidents of the largest labor unions, presidents of major private foreign policy organizations, and presidents of major special interest groups relevant to foreign policy. For Part 2, the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations (CCFR) conducted its opinion survey of the American general public through the Internet. In particular, this study covers the global United States position, international norms and the use of force, multilateralism and international institutions, international norms and economic relations, and policy attitudes and perceptions of United States leaders and the public. Regarding the global United States position, respondents were asked to give their opinions on threats to the vital interests that most Americans consider critical, the fundamental foreign policy goals that they want to pursue, how much they are willing to spend on foreign policy-related items, whether they favor the United States having military bases overseas in general and their support for stationing troops in various specified countries, their views on the Middle East, how active the United States should be in world affairs, their willingness to take action against terrorism, and their support for diplomatic and other nonmilitary actions to solve conflicts. On the topic of international norms and the use of force, respondents gave their opinions on adhering to traditional norms and empowering the United Nations, preventive action against a state seeking weapons of mass destruction, using force against a state supporting terrorists, the use of nuclear weapons, the use of torture, using force against a state conduction genocide, using force to restore a democratic government, and defending a country that has been attacked. Concerning multilateralism and international institutions, respondents were asked their level of support for collective decision-making through international institutions and for empowering the United Nations, their attitudes toward other major international organizations, their support for international agreements, their desire to seek consensus among nations, and their opinions on the idea of spreading democracy. On the subject of international norms and economic relations, respondents were asked about pursuing free trade with certain conditions, globalization and trade in principle, their support for the trading system and institutions, their concerns about inequities, and their opinions on mitigating the effects of trade, achieving equity in trade, trade as a strategic tool, responsibility for development aid, regional trade agreements, and migration. For the sake of comparison, Parts 1 and 2 include many of the same questions asked of both groups. Background information on respondents includes religion, age, income, education, gender, marital status, and employment status. Part 3 is a special telephone survey of the general public designed to be directly comparable to the telephone survey of 2002.

Abstract

The Gallup Poll Social Series (GPSS) is a set of public opinion surveys designed to monitor U.S. adults' views on numerous social, economic, and political topics. The topics are arranged thematically across 12 surveys. Gallup administers these surveys during the same month every year and includes the survey's core trend questions in the same order each administration. Using this consistent standard allows for unprecedented analysis of changes in trend data that are not susceptible to question order bias and seasonal effects.

Introduced in 2001, the GPSS is the primary method Gallup uses to update several hundred long-term Gallup trend questions, some dating back to the 1930s. The series also includes many newer questions added to address contemporary issues as they emerge.

The dataset currently includes responses from up to and including 2025.

Methodology

Gallup conducts one GPSS survey per month, with each devoted to a different topic, as follows:

January: Mood of the Nation

February: World Affairs

March: Environment

April: Economy and Finance

May: Values and Beliefs

June: Minority Rights and Relations (discontinued after 2016)

July: Consumption Habits

August: Work and Education

September: Governance

October: Crime

November: Health

December: Lifestyle (conducted 2001-2008)

The core questions of the surveys differ each month, but several questions assessing the state of the nation are standard on all 12: presidential job approval, congressional job approval, satisfaction with the direction of the U.S., assessment of the U.S. job market, and an open-ended measurement of the nation's "most important problem." Additionally, Gallup includes extensive demographic questions on each survey, allowing for in-depth analysis of trends.

Interviews are conducted with U.S. adults aged 18 and older living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia using a dual-frame design, which includes both landline and cellphone numbers. Gallup samples landline and cellphone numbers using random-digit-dial methods. Gallup purchases samples for this study from Survey Sampling International (SSI). Gallup chooses landline respondents at random within each household based on which member had the next birthday. Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 70% cellphone respondents and 30% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Gallup conducts interviews in Spanish for respondents who are primarily Spanish-speaking.

Gallup interviews a minimum of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older for each GPSS survey. Samples for the June Minority Rights and Relations survey are significantly larger because Gallup includes oversamples of Blacks and Hispanics to allow for reliable estimates among these key subgroups.

Gallup weights samples to correct for unequal selection probability, nonresponse, and double coverage of landline and cellphone users in the two sampling frames. Gallup also weights its final samples to match the U.S. population according to gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, education, region, population density, and phone status (cellphone only, landline only, both, and cellphone mostly).

Demographic weighting targets are based on the most recent Current Population Survey figures for the aged 18 and older U.S. population. Phone status targets are based on the most recent National Health Interview Survey. Population density targets are based on the most recent U.S. Census.

Usage

The year appended to each table name represents when the data was last updated. For example, January: Mood of the Nation - 2025 has survey data collected up to and including 2025.

For more information about what survey questions were asked over time, see the Supporting Files.

Graph and download economic data for Total Revenue for Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling, All Establishments, Employer Firms (REVEF54191ALLEST) from 1998 to 2022 about public, employer firms, accounting, revenue, establishments, services, and USA.

These data were gathered in personal interviews with a national sample of United States citizens by the Gallup Organization, Inc., to measure attitudes toward foreign affairs in November 1978. Respondents were asked to list the biggest problems facing the country, in general, as well as the biggest foreign policy problems. Other questions explored the relationship between domestic and foreign policy priorities, e.g., aid to education, defense spending, farm subsidies, economic and military aid to other nations, and domestic welfare/reliefprograms. Respondents gave their opinions of what constituted appropriate responses to the growing military power of the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), and they rated the threat that communism presented in several other countries. Respondents were asked to respond favorably or unfavorably to several scenarios in which the use of United States armed forces in other parts of the world could be justified. Respondents were asked to rate the performance of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and to use a "thermometer" scale to measure their feelings (warm or cold) toward several politicians and world leaders, as well as toward several countries that were important to the United States for political, economic, or security reasons. Opinions were sought about the type of role that various individuals and institutions (e.g., the president, the CIA, the military, the United Nations, and the Congress) should play in the creation of foreign policy. Respondents' political participation was also measured. Demographic information includes age, race, sex, income, sources of information in the media, religion, educational level, occupation, and political orientation. In a similar survey conducted from November 1978 to January 1979, many of the same questions were asked of Americans in senior positions with knowledge of and influence on foreign policy. The results of that survey are collected in AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY: NATIONAL LEADERS, 1979 (ICPSR 7786).

This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. In this poll, respondents were asked about President Ronald Reagan's performance in office and the government's handling of the economy, with a special focus on United States involvement in Latin America. Demographic information on respondents includes age, sex, race, educational level, employment status, political party affiliation, voting history, and marital status.

Gallup tracks daily the percentage of Americans who rate economic conditions in the country today as "excellent," "good," "only fair," and "poor." The results are reported here and also included in Gallup's Economic Confidence Index. Daily results are based on telephone interviews with approximately 1,500 national adults; Margin of error is ±3 percentage points.

United States AHE: PW: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data was reported at 42.670 USD in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 42.250 USD for Feb 2025. United States AHE: PW: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data is updated monthly, averaging 19.900 USD from Jan 1990 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 423 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 43.440 USD in Jan 2025 and a record low of 12.130 USD in Mar 1990. United States AHE: PW: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G: Current Employment Statistics: Average Hourly Earnings: Production Workers.

This survey focuses on current issues including US action against Iraq, and rating of President Bush's decisions in the Persian Gulf, settlement without war, role of the United Nations, war and threat of heavy casualties, Bush's deadline for Saddam Hussein, and support for President Bush. Additional questions are asked on civil rights, recession, economic downturn, and NCAA violations.

This Voice of the People poll seeks the opinions of Canadians, on predominantly economic, political, and social issues. The questions ask opinions of the state of the economy as compared to 10 years ago, predictions about the next generation, safety and security, public school trends, and public clinics/hospitals. There are also questions on other topics of interest such as Canadian democracy, politics, and elections. The respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic and social variables. Topics of interest include: economy; security; American foreign policy; politics; next generation; elections; public schools; public clinics/hospitals; and general happiness. Basic demographic variables are also included.

United States Employment: NF: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data was reported at 90.300 Person th in May 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 91.400 Person th for Apr 2018. United States Employment: NF: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data is updated monthly, averaging 103.700 Person th from Jan 1990 (Median) to May 2018, with 341 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 119.400 Person th in Dec 2000 and a record low of 75.000 Person th in Jan 1991. United States Employment: NF: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.G024: Current Employment Statistics Survey: Employment: Non Farm.

Graph and download economic data for Expenses for Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling, All Establishments, Employer Firms (MRAPOPEAEEF354191) from 2003 to 2022 about public, employer firms, establishments, expenditures, and USA.

This poll, fielded January 3-4, 1999, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy, as well as their opinions of the United States Congress, Vice President Al Gore, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, the Republican and Democratic parties, the federal government, and the news media. Views were also solicited on the condition of the national economy, public trust in government, whether political leaders shared the moral values of and cared about the needs and problems of the American people, priorities for national governmental action in the near future, and predictions regarding such action. Special emphasis was given to the presidential impeachment proceedings on Capitol Hill. Respondents were asked how much attention they paid to and how they viewed the House of Representatives impeachment vote, and what their desires and expectations were for the prospective Senate impeachment trial (including possible Senate censure or Clinton resignation) and for the ultimate resolution of the impeachment proceedings. Opinions were also solicited on the news media's handling of the impeachment process. Background information on respondents includes age, race, sex, education, religion, marital status, voting registration status, political party preferences and political orientation, computer, Internet, and e-mail accessibility and use, age of children in the household, and family income.

View economic output, reported as the nominal value of all new goods and services produced by labor and property located in the U.S.

United States Employment: NF: PW: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data was reported at 70.800 Person th in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 69.800 Person th for Sep 2018. United States Employment: NF: PW: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data is updated monthly, averaging 84.750 Person th from Jan 1990 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 346 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 99.600 Person th in Dec 2000 and a record low of 57.300 Person th in Jan 1991. United States Employment: NF: PW: PB: Marketing Research & Public Opinion Polling data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G030: Current Employment Statistics Survey: Employment: Production Worker: Non Farm.

According to a survey conducted in 2023, ** percent of Peruvians agreed that their country's economy is rigged in favor of the rich and powerful. This was the highest percentage of agreement among respondents in selected Latin American countries.