Freedom and Tolerance in the United States, 1987

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The purpose of this data collection was to examine political tolerance and perceptions of personal freedom in the United States. Respondents were questioned regarding their feelings about social groups currently active in politics (e.g., the group most disliked, whether its members should be banned from running for public office, teaching in public schools, and making public speeches, and whether this group was threatening to the American way of life). Respondents also were asked for their opinions of government agencies, Congress, and the Supreme Court, including whether the government should allow public meetings to oppose the government and whether the power of the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional should be eliminated. Additionally, respondents were queried about their political behavior (e.g., frequency of political discussions with co-workers, friends, casual acquaintances, and neighbors), about a variety of psychological and philosophical issues, and about their alcoholic drinking behavior.