The ANES Guide to Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior
School Prayer (2), 4 point scale 1986-1998
| '86 | '88 | '90 | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Prayer in School | 12 (265) |
11 (188) |
14 (135) |
11 (231) |
10 (184) |
12 (175) |
16 (199) |
| Silent Prayer Allowed | 48 (1050) |
52 (916) |
48 (477) |
49 (1008) |
54 (951) |
55 (830) |
50 (640) |
| 'General' Prayer Allowed | 25 (542) |
25 (438) |
26 (253) |
27 (549) |
23 (414) |
21 (317) |
24 (306) |
| Christian Prayer Required | 11 (228) |
10 (174) |
10 (102) |
10 (209) |
10 (171) |
10 (148) |
8 (98) |
| Don't Know, Other | 4 (81) |
3 (51) |
2 (22) |
3 (60) |
3 (51) |
2 (30) |
3 (35) |
| N | 2166 | 1767 | 989 | 2057 | 1771 | 1500 | 1278 |
Percentage Within Study Year
Table 4C.3b.
Question Text:
"Which of the following views comes closest to your opinion on the issue of school prayer?" (RESPONDENT BOOKLET SHOWN TO R)
1. By law, prayer should not be allowed in public schools.
2. The law should allow public schools to schedule time when children can pray silently if they want to.
3. The law should allow public schools to schedule time when children as a group can say a general prayer not tied to a particular religious faith.
4. By law, public schools should schedule a time when when all children would say a chosen Christian prayer.
Percent among demographic groups who responded:
No Prayer in School
Silent Prayer Allowed
'General' Prayr Allowed
Christian Prayer Required
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