This measure has varied over the years. In 1969, in the midst of the Vietnam war, Americans thought too much was being spent on the military. By 1981, as President Ronald Reagan took office partly on the basis of a call for a stronger military presence, the percentage of Americans saying that there was too little spent on defense went up. Now, as noted, a plurality of the country says there is too little being spent on defense, while a much smaller number say it is too much. Typically, Republicans and conservatives are far more likely to say the government is spending too little on defense, compared to Democrats and liberals.
Men are more inclined to think the government spends too little than are women.
Those at higher income levels are more likely to think the government spends too little compared to those at lower income levels. Gallup has asked Americans their preferences for allocating government spending on defense. Americans Favor Development of a Missile Defense System One specific issue which has been raised in this year s presidential campaign is the development of a missile defense system, which would be used to protect the United States from missile attacks from other nations. The idea in general appears to have a good deal of appeal for the public. This year, the issue has taken on greater import in the wake of a second failed attempt to test a preliminary version of the system.