Only 14% Prefer Government-Regulated Economy Over Free Market

Rasmussen Reports
Oct. 26, 2010

Voters overwhelmingly prefer a free market economy to an economy managed by the government and think government economic control helps big businesses at the expense of small ones.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 75% of Likely U.S. Voters think a free market economy is better than an economy managed by the government. That's up five points from December 2008 following Barack Obama's election as president but consistent with findings in surveys since then.

Only 14% think government control of the economy is better. (To see survey question wording, click here).

The Political Class isn't so sure. Ninety percent (90%) of Mainstream voters prefer a free market economy. Among Political Class voters, however, just 34% feel that way, while 30% like a government-managed economy better and 35% are undecided.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of all voters think increased competition rather than increased government regulation is the best way to hold big business accountable. Thirty-four percent (34%) say increased regulation is the best way to go.

But again while 74% of Mainstream voters favor increased competition, 70% of the Political Class prefer increased regulation.

Government regulation hurts small businesses more than big businesses, according to 71% of voters nationwide. Just 14% believe government regulation hurts big business more.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) say most big businesses take advantage of the political process to hurt small businesses. Twenty-four percent (24%) disagree, but 17% more are not sure.

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