Americans Are Favorable Toward a Balanced Budget Amendment

But you might not have heard that yet

Asked three different ways, the CNN/ORC poll still finds that a majority of Americans support a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution; although, one has to read to paragraph thirteen of CNN's poll analysis to learn of this finding.

According to the analysis, the balanced budget amendment is one of few proposals favored by a majority of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans (see table below). As explained here, only the "cut, cap, and balance" approach, balanced budget amendment, and particular combinations of spending cuts and tax increases earns majority support. Of course, one could argue that the public may not understand the consequences of a balanced budget amendment, but the same could be said for many of these proposals, as unintended consequences may not yet be fully realized. (For example, see effects of luxury tax on yachts)

CNN Poll Results July 18-20 2011

In another proposal, Congress would raise the debt ceiling only if a balanced budget amendment were passed by both houses of Congress and substantial spending cuts and caps on future spending were approved.  Would you favor or oppose this proposal?

Favor              66%

Oppose            33%

No Opinion        1%

Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget?

Favor              74%

Oppose            24%

No Opinion        1%

In order to get the federal budget deficit under control, do you think it is necessary or not necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget?

Necessary         60%

Not Necessary    38%

No Opinion        1%

Support for a Balanced Budget Amendment by Party

In another proposal, Congress would raise the debt ceiling only if a balanced budget amendment were passed by both houses of Congress and substantial spending cuts and caps on future spending were approved. Would you favor or oppose this proposal? (FAVOR)

 

Democrats        63%

Independents     65%

Republicans       73%

Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget? (FAVOR)

 

Democrats        66%

Independents     76%

Republicans       84%

In order to get the federal budget deficit under control, do you think it necessary or not necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget? (NECESSARY)

Democrats        52      

Independents     63      

Republicans       68

Support for a Balanced Budget Amendment Over Time

The support for a balanced budget amendment is not new. Since the early 1990s, CNN has asked questions regarding this proposal and has found little movement in favorability.

Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget?

 

In order to get the federal budget deficit under control, do you think it is necessary or not necessary to pass a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget?

 

For more details and methodology, see full CNN Poll Results.

This also appeared at Cato@Liberty here.