Pew Research Center Staff

Births have overtaken immigration as the main driver of the dynamic growth in the Mexican-American population.

A federal district court judge struck down California’s ban on gay marriage, ruling that the prohibition violates the U.S. Constitution. The decision, which is expected to be appealed, represents the first time a federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Constitution protects the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Senior research staff answer questions from readers relating to all the areas covered by our seven projects, ranging from polling techniques and findings, to media, technology, religious, demographic and global attitudes trends.

Despite the continuing economic downturn, by a two-to-one margin, Americans believe their country will continue to be prosperous and make economic progress.

A majority of Americans say that the economy is still in a recession.

More than six-in-ten Americans have cut back on household spending since the recession began.

Compared with 2007, fewer people view the Supreme Court as conservative and more see it as liberal.

Young adults are significantly more likely than those in other age groups to engage in all cell phone applications.

While cell phone ownership remained stable, usage of eight cell phone applications grew significantly over the past year among cell owners.

Broad majorities in four Western European countries support a ban on women wearing an Islamic veil; however, most Americans would oppose such a ban.