As discussions around government reform and efficiency intensify, recent data from Pew Research offers valuable insights into the federal workforce—its size, scope, and the public's perception of it. Here are the key takeaways:
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On January 10, 1776, an anonymous pamphlet appeared in the streets of Philadelphia that would fundamentally alter the course of American history. Written by Thomas Paine, "Common Sense" emerged at a crucial moment when colonial America stood at a crossroads, uncertain whether to pursue reconciliation with Great Britain or fight for independence.
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On January 3, 2001, history was made in the United States Capitol as Hillary Rodham Clinton took the oath of office as a United States Senator from New York, becoming the first First Lady ever to win elective office. The moment marked a profound shift in American political history, transforming Clinton from presidential spouse to elected official in her own right.
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A recent Pew Research Center analysis reveals a significant and widening gender gap in higher education achievement among young Americans. The data paints a compelling picture of how women have surged ahead in college completion rates over the past three decades, with particularly notable differences across racial and ethnic groups.
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A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that Americans continue to strongly support the media's role in holding politicians accountable, though views differ significantly along party lines. According to the September 2024 survey, 74% of Americans believe media criticism helps prevent political leaders from engaging in misconduct.
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On December 24, 1968, three astronauts aboard Apollo 8 witnessed something no human had ever seen before: Earth, rising above the lunar horizon. The moment was captured in what would become one of the most influential photographs in human history, forever changing how we see our place in the cosmos.
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Pew Research Center's annual roundup of significant findings offers a fascinating snapshot of America's evolving social, political, and demographic landscape in 2024. From shifting political dynamics to demographic milestones, technological changes, and evolving public attitudes, their research illuminates the complex forces shaping our society. Here are the year's most noteworthy discoveries:
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On December 21, 1945, the United States Senate made history by confirming Eleanor Roosevelt as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations. President Harry Truman's appointment of the former First Lady marked a pivotal moment in both American diplomacy and women's leadership in international affairs.
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Recent polling from Pew Research Center reveals the nuanced and sometimes seemingly contradictory views Americans hold regarding undocumented immigration. While there's widespread concern about illegal border crossings and support for deportation measures, a clear majority of Americans also believe in creating pathways to legal status under certain conditions.
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On December 15, 1995, San Francisco marked a watershed moment in its history as Willie Lewis Brown Jr. was sworn in as the city's 41st mayor, becoming the first African American to hold the position. The inauguration, held at the Yerba Buena Gardens, represented not just a personal triumph for Brown, but a significant milestone in the city's journey toward greater diversity and inclusion in political leadership.
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In a revealing study by Pew Research Center, Americans demonstrate nuanced and sometimes seemingly contradictory views on immigration policy. While concerns about illegal immigration run high, a majority of Americans support creating legal pathways for undocumented immigrants under certain conditions.
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On a stormy December weekend in 1989, two world leaders met aboard a ship in the Mediterranean Sea near Malta for what would become one of the most significant diplomatic encounters of the 20th century. President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev came together at a pivotal moment, as the Berlin Wall had fallen just weeks before and revolutionary changes were sweeping across Eastern Europe.
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With Donald Trump’s victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election, he is poised to make sweeping policy changes at home and abroad. What do the voters in Trump’s coalition want? How do they view the country and its challenges? Here’s what we know from Pew Research Center’s pre-election surveys over the past year.
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On November 29, 1832, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, a literary star was born. Louisa May Alcott would grow up to become one of America's most beloved authors, though she likely never imagined her semi-autobiographical novel "Little Women" would still captivate readers nearly two centuries later.
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On a chilly November afternoon in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered what would become one of the most significant speeches in American history. The occasion was the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, just four months after the brutal Battle of Gettysburg had claimed over 50,000 casualties.
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In November 14, 2002, American politics witnessed a watershed moment when Nancy Pelosi was elected House Democratic Leader, becoming the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress. This breakthrough marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would later see her ascend to become the first female Speaker of the House in 2007.
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As we approach another major election, millions of Americans are heading to their local polling places to cast their ballots. Behind each successful election stands an army of dedicated poll workers—everyday citizens who play a vital role in our democratic process. Recent research from Pew Research Center sheds light on these essential workers and the challenges they face.
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On a crisp autumn day in 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson took a historic step that would forever transform America's media landscape. With the stroke of a pen, he signed the Public Broadcasting Act, establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and laying the foundation for what would become PBS and NPR.
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A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals a striking consensus among American voters about immigrants' role in the U.S. labor market. The August 2024 study found that three-quarters of registered voters believe undocumented immigrants primarily fill jobs that American citizens don't want, while 61% say the same about legal immigrants.
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The erosion of democratic norms and institutions often occurs gradually rather than through sudden coups. Understanding the tactics used by aspiring authoritarians is crucial for preserving democracy. This post outlines seven key strategies employed in the modern authoritarian playbook.
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