CBS News Polls, 1977-1979

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This study 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. Each data file in this collection represents a distinct nationwide survey that was conducted during 1977-1979. Approximately 1,000-1,500 randomly selected adults were surveyed by telephone in each poll. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Jimmy Carter and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy, as well as their views on a range of current social and economic issues. The January 1977 Inauguration Poll (Part 1) asked respondents whether they believed newly inaugurated President Carter would be able to balance the federal budget, contain inflation, reduce unemployment, cut defense spending, restore trust in government, work effectively with Congress, and bring peace to the Middle East. Opinions were also elicited on other current issues, including capital punishment, amnesty for Vietnam draft evaders, building closer ties with China, and United States support for Black majority rule in South Africa. Part 2, June 1978 Education Poll, covered topics concerning the quality of public school education, school busing and racial integration of schools, the effects of single parents, working mothers, and television viewing on a child's education, standardized tests, classroom discipline, and homework. In Part 3, September 1978 Poll on Mid-East Summit Meeting, respondents were asked for their assessment of the chances for peace in the Middle East, their knowledge of the results of the Camp David summit with Egypt, Israel, and the United States, whether Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, or President Carter was most responsible for the agreements, and whether President Carter met their expectations with what he accomplished at the summit. Part 4, December 1978 Poll on China, focused on United States relations with China, the impact closer ties with China may have on relations between the United States and Taiwan, prospects for peace in the Middle East, and United States negotiations with the Soviet Union to cut back on military weapons. In the October 1979 Poll on Current Issues (Part 5) respondents were asked to identify what they believed to be the most important problems facing the country, and whether problems associated with rising prices and energy shortages had affected their lives directly. Background information on respondents includes voter participation history, political party affiliation, political orientation, age, race, religion, education, employment and household income.