GSS 1972-2024 Cumulative Datafile - Release 3

In most states a gun owner may legally sell his or her gun without 
proof that the buyer has passed a criminal history check. How 
strongly do you favor or oppose a law that required private gun sales 
to be subject to the same background check requirements as sales by 
licensed dealers? Do you

Should penalties for illegally selling guns be tougher, less tough, 
or about as tough as penalties for illegally selling drugs?

Should semi-automatic, assault weapons or semi-automatic guns known 
as assault rifles be sold to the general public or should their sales 
be limited to the military and police?

As a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, do you think that gun 
control laws should be stricter, making it harder for people to 
purchase firearms or that gun control laws should be less strict, 
making it easier for people to purchase firearms?

Currently under federal law, very high power, 50-caliber rifles that 
can penetrate armor from a mile away are available to people on the 
same basis as standard hunting rifles. Should such very high power 
rifles be 1) restricted Only to the police and military, or 2) 
available to civilians like standard hunting rifles as they are at 
present?

And how many other adults in your household personally own a gun?

In all states it is illegal to drive while under the influence of 
alcohol. Would you favor or oppose state laws making it illegal to 
carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol?

Would you like to see more or less government spending on natural 
disasters. Remember that if you say "much more", it might require a 
tax increase to pay for it. Would you say...

A. Do you think it should or should not be the government's 
responsibility to help individuals affected by natural disasters?

B. Do you think it should or should not be the government's 
responsibility to help rebuild communities affected by natural 
disasters?

How often do you read a traditional newspaper (i.e. one that is 
printed with ink on paper and NOT counting what you read online) -- 
every day, a few times a week, once a week, less than once a week, or 
never?

Which do you think is the most important reason why people get ahead: 
their own hard work or lucky breaks and help from other people?

Do you have a hearing problem that prevents you from hearing what is 
said in normal conversation even with a hearing aid?

Do you have a vision problem that prevents you from reading a 
newspaper even when wearing glasses or contacts?

Do you have any condition that substantially limits one or more basic 
physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, 
lifting, or carrying?

Do you have any other physical disability?

Do you have any emotional or mental disability?

Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 3 
months or longer, do you have difficulty doing any of the following 
Learning, remembering or concentrating?

Participating fully in school, housework, or other daily activities?