Next in line are dealing with the nation's moral breakdown and improving the health care system. Americans give less priority to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, dealing with the problems of the poor and needy, dealing with taxes, and reducing crime. In the past, single issues have more clearly dominated the public's agenda. In October 1995, balancing the budget and dealing with the moral breakdown were the two top priorities. In November 1991, jobs and education were foremost in the public's mind.
Agendas differ substantially depending on party affiliation.
Republicans would like to see the president focus on the economy above other issues. Democrats rank Social Security and Medicare first. The biggest partisan divide can be seen on the issue of morality. The Pew survey tested a series of more specific policy questions to gauge their potential resonance with the public, as well as their relevance for the upcoming campaign. The issues ranged from the so-called digital divide to the role of the U.S. military in internal conflicts around the world.