2013-05-22-皮尤-Broad_Support_for_Renewed_Background_Checks_Bill,_Skepticism_about_Its_Chances_19页_309kb

• Public Support for Expanded Background Checks: A strong majority of Americans (81%) supported making private gun sales and gun shows subject to background checks, with 73% stating that Congress should pass such a bill if reintroduced. This support has remained high despite legislative setbacks, with concerns over additional restrictions (e.g., "slippery slope") leading to minority opposition from Republicans, particularly compared to general support for the idea.

• Doubts About New Gun Legislation: Despite broad backing for background checks, optimism for new gun control laws is low. Only 55% of the public expected significant legislation to pass in 2013, including advocates. Reasons include worries about effectiveness, government overreach, and prioritization of other issues.

• Gun Rights vs. Gun Control Debate: Public opinion remained closely divided on the importance of protecting gun ownership versus controlling it (48% vs. 47%), returning to pre-Newtown balances. Gun rights supporters showed higher political engagement, with more contacting officials and contributing to organizations, while gun control advocates lagged in activism despite supporting policies.

• NRA Influence and Political Engagement: Perceptions of the NRA's influence were mixed, with 39% viewing it as too dominant; liberal Democrats expressed increased concern, while conservative Republicans saw it as appropriate. The report highlighted a partisan gap, with gun rights prioritizers more likely to view gun policy as a key voting issue and express activism.

• Partisan and Ideological Differences: Democrats favored bans on assault weapons and assault-style gun bans (68% and 54%, respectively), while Republicans showed divided support for the Senate bill. Better educated individuals were more skeptical of gun control prospects, and liberal Democrats demonstrated stronger opposition to gun control compared to other groups.

Overall, the report concluded that while background checks enjoy widespread support, political realities and partisan divides hinder legislative progress, and gun policy remains a significant but contentious issue in American politics.