Given the recent Supreme Court cases McCutcheon v. Federal Elections Commission and Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, the role of money in the American political system has received national attention. I am asking that you complete this survey to assist me with my research of public perception of the role of money in American politics. Your responses are confidential and will not be associated with your identity. Results from the survey will only be reported in aggregate form. Thank you for your participation.

1. As a governing institution, how effective is Congress? Very effective

Somewhat effective

Somewhat ineffective

Very ineffective

2. Money has too much influence in Congress. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Disagree

3. Do you think the influence of money in American politics is increasing, decreasing, or not changing? Increasing

Decreasing

No change

4. Do members of Congress care more about the needs of their constituents or large campaign contributors? Constituents

Campaign contributors

No difference

Don't know

5. In the case of Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission the Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions have the same political speech rights as individuals under the First Amendment. Do you agree or disagree with this ruling? Agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Disagree

6. In the case of McCutcheon v. Federal Elections Commission the Supreme Court struck down limits on the total amount that any one donor can give to candiates, party committees, and Political Action Committees (PACs) in an election cycle. The court alse defended giving access and influence to donors as a key democratic right, and ruled that donors have the same right to influence officials as do the constituents those officials are elected to represent. Do you agree or disagree with this ruling? Agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Disagree

7. How interested are you in American politics? Very interested

Somewhat interested

Only slightly interested

Not at all interested

8. Are you currently registered to vote? Yes

No

9. Generally speaking, do you consider yourself to be a(n) Strong Democrat

Not so strong Democrat

Independent leaning Democrat

Independent

Independent leaning Republican

Not so strong Republican

Strong Republican

Other

Don't know

10. On most political matters, do you consider yourself: Strongly conservative

Moderately conservative

Neither, middle of the road

Moderately liberal

Strongly liberal

Don't know

11. What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed? Some high school

High School graduate, diploma or equivalent (GED)

Trade/technical/vocational training

Some college credit

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Professional degree

Doctorate degree

12. What do you expect your 2014 annual income to be? Under $25,000

$25,000 to $39,999

$40,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

Over $100,000

13. Are you a member of a union? Yes

No

14. What is your religious preference? Protestant

Catholic

Another type of Christian

Jewish

Muslim

Some other religion

No religion

15. How often do you attend religious services? More than once a week

Once a week

Once a month

Only major religious holidays

Never

Not applicable

16. Which television news station do you trust the most? CNN

Fox News

MSNBC

Other

None of the Above

17. What is your age? This question requires a valid number format.