Politics & Policy

Many hope that more transparency and data sharing will help journalists, make officials more accountable and improve decisions. But very few think agencies are doing a great job of providing useful data.

The 2010 spill was one of the two biggest stories of the year in terms of news interest. Support for offshore drilling plummeted, but has largely recovered.

Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz are among just seven major-party presidential candidates who have used online venues to announce entering the race since 2004.

In December 2014, the balance of opinion flipped: For the first time, more Americans say protecting gun rights (52%) is more important than controlling gun ownership (46%).

A majority of Americans favor the death penalty for those convicted of murder, but support is at a 40-year low.

Over 1300 executions have occurred in the U.S. since 1977, the year after the Supreme Court reaffirmed its approval of the death penalty. See how many executions have been performed in each state since the ruling.

The U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has long divided Americans and Japanese: 56% of Americans say it was justified, versus 14% of Japanese.

54% of Americans say it would be difficult to find the tools and strategies that would enhance their privacy online and when using cellphones, according to a Pew Research Center report.

Many supporters of marijuana legalization cite its perceived health benefits, while opponents say the drug hurts people and society.