What to know
(Video length: 55 seconds)
- A majority of Americans oppose military action in Iran and don’t like the way President Donald Trump is handling the issue, according to the newest PBS News/ NPR/ Marist Poll.
- The survey found 56% of Americans oppose U.S. military action in Iran, while 44% support it
- A plurality of Americans – 44% – see Iran as a major threat to U.S. security. Another 40% of Americans consider Iran a minor threat and 15% see no threat at all.
Why it matters
In a Constitutional republic, the people's voice matters. "A constitutional republic is a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, governed by a constitution that sets forth the fundamental principles and laws of the state." (Source: EBSCO)
Discussion questions
- Do you think the Trump administration and Congress are taking the American people's thoughts about the Iran war into account? Explain.
- Take a look at the three main graphics included in the PBS News/ NPR/ Marist Poll below. If you were the pollster, what additional questions would you have asked? Take a look at other polls on this issue. How important is wording (the way the question is asked) when polling people? Do you find the wording of the questions below to be fair? Explain.
For more
Read PBS News' Majority of Americans oppose military action in Iran, new poll finds to learn more about how Americans feel about the war.
A majority -- 54% -- of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling Iran. Another 36% approve and 10% are unsure, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. Graphic by Steff Staples/PBS News.
A majority -- 56% -- of Americans oppose U.S. military action in Iran, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, while 44% support it. Graphic by Steff Staples/PBS News
A plurality of Americans – 44% – say Iran is a major threat to U.S. security, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. Another 40% see the country as a minor threat, while 15% see it as no threat at all. Graphic by Dan Cooney/PBS News.
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