Showing 1 – 22 of 22 results.
Curated
Partially restricted
Convention Delegate Study, 2000 [United States] (ICPSR 31781)
Released/updated on: 2012-02-15
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-01-01--2000-12-31
The 2000 Convention Delegate Study is a survey of the delegates attending the two major party presidential nominating conventions in 2000 and the respondents to the 1992 Convention Delegate Study (see ICPSR 6353). These delegates constitute the best available operational definition of national party elites, representing the full range of political activists. This study is the sixth in a series of studies of national convention delegates, adding to data collected in 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1992 (and reaching back to a similar study in 1972). The present study shares an important feature with its predecessors: it closely parallels the 2000 American National Elections Study (ANES), allowing for a comparison between party elites and the mass public. Thus, the 2000 survey adds to a unique longitudinal dataset that covers over a quarter century of politics among activists and voters. The 2000 Convention Delegate Survey is a multi-purpose study designed to assess the changes in major party coalitions in the 1990s. In the decade between 1990 and 2000, the major parties experienced two kinds of changes, aptly captured in John Bibby's 1996 description of the major parties as "integrated networks of national-state party units, allied groups, and issue-oriented activists" (1999). The first change was the growing resources of formal party organizations and their enhanced capacity to provide services to candidates running under the party label (Bibby 1988; Herrnson 2000). The second change was the expansion and integration of allied interest groups and issue activists within party operations (Baer and Bositis 1993). Taken together these changes represent the institutionalization of candidate-centered politics and have important implications for the effectiveness of parties in elections and in government (Aldrich 1995). This study replicated the Cotter et al. items on organizational complexity (character of the party headquarters, division of labor, party budgets, and professionalization of leadership positions), programmatic capacity (institutional support activity and candidate-directed activity). The primary focus was to assess the impact of party organizational strength on the linkages between party elites and the mass public. Major party elites now include a more diverse set of activists in terms of interests and issue positions, presenting new opportunities and challenges to coalition building. This study documented the range and activities of such activists and compared their views to those of their co-partisans in the mass public in the 2000 election. This study also focused on the role of cultural groups among party elites, which have been a source of intense intra-party conflict in recent time (Hunter 1991). Central to these new cultural divisions is the politicization of religious affiliations, practices, and beliefs. The best illustration is the mobilization of evangelical Protestants into the Republican coalition. At the elite level, the Christian Right has matured as a social movement, and its most pragmatic wing is in the process of integrating itself into the GOP organization across the country, particularly in the South. These religious-based divisions, however, extend beyond the Christian Right, evangelicals, Protestants and the GOP to other religious traditions. Scholars have found ample evidence for the development of this new division in a host of specialized studies of political elites (Green et al. 1996; Guth et al. 1996), and Layman (1995) has found similar patterns in the previous delegate studies.
Curated
CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll, August 1988 (ICPSR 9108)
Released/updated on: 2010-10-22
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-07-31--1988-08-03
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluates the Reagan presidency and solicits opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include nuclear arms treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union, the constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget, the law requiring companies to give workers 60 days notice of plant closings, attention paid to the Democratic National Convention, the Equal Rights Amendment, organized prayer in public schools, and federal money spent on AIDS education. In addition, respondents were queried about their views on the candidates and campaigns for the 1988 presidential election. Questions asked of respondents include whether they had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, whether Bush or Dukakis would be more competent at managing the federal government and whether the respondent had any worries about electing either as president, whether Jesse Jackson should have a major role in the Democratic presidential campaign, and whether George Bush was hiding something the public should know concerning the Iran-Contra affair. Background information on individuals includes party affiliation, age, union membership, income, sex, religious preference, education, and race.
Curated
CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll #1, September 1996 (ICPSR 2307)
Released/updated on: 2010-06-04
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1996-09-01--1996-09-30
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton, his integrity, and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy. Their views were also sought regarding Vice President Al Gore, Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Ross Perot, Jack Kemp, and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic and Republican parties, the 1996 presidential and congressional elections, the job market, the Whitewater investigations, the role of government in social policy, and the Democratic Convention. In addition, a series of questions comparing President Clinton and presidential candidate Bob Dole on a range of topics was asked. Topics covered ideology, political goals, moral values, ability to handle international crisis, tax plans, and campaign tactics. Respondents were also asked for their opinions on the resignation of Clinton campaign advisor Dick Morris, how the Clinton administration compared to past administrations, and the nation's economic future. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, education, ethnicity, religion, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, military service history, marital status, employment status, age of children in household, labor union membership, and patterns of viewing comedians on late-night television.
Curated
CBS News Call-Back Poll, March 2008 (ICPSR 26145)
Released/updated on: 2009-10-29
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2008-03-01--2008-03-31
This call-back poll, fielded March 20, 2008, is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicits public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. This poll surveyed 542 registered voters first interviewed March 15-18, 2008, in the CBS NEWS MONTHLY POLL #1, MARCH 2008 (ICPSR 26144), which queried respondents on George W. Bush's presidency, the condition of the national economy, the 2008 presidential race, the news media's treatment of the candidates, the effect of race and gender on the choice of a presidential candidate, and sexism and racism in America. In the call-back poll conducted on March 20, 2008, registered voters from the original survey were asked for their reactions to Barack Obama's March 18, 2008, speech on race relations in the United States, how much they had heard or read about Obama's relationship with Reverend Jeremiah Wright, whether they agreed with Obama's stance on race relations in the United States, their opinions of him, whether they were more likely to vote for him, and whether he would be the kind of president who could unite the country. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, marital status, whether respondents had children under 18 years of age, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status and participation history, religious preference, frequency of religious attendance, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
CBS News Monthly Poll #1, March 2008 (ICPSR 26144)
Released/updated on: 2009-10-08
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2008-03-01--2008-03-31
This poll, fielded March 15-18, 2008, is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. This poll included an oversample of African Americans, for a total of 122 African American respondents. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way George W. Bush was handling the presidency, the economy, and the situation in Iraq, to rate the condition of the national economy, to indicate the most important issue for candidates to discuss in the 2008 presidential election, and the preferred qualities and characteristics in a presidential candidate. Registered voters were asked how much attention they were paying to the 2008 presidential campaign, whether they planned to or had already voted in a Democratic or Republican primary or caucus in their state, their opinions of candidates John McCain, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton, and which candidate they would vote for if the general election were held that day. Views were sought on the news media's treatment of the candidates, whether it was appropriate for candidates to show their emotions in public, whether respondents and most people they knew would vote for a presidential candidate who was African American or a woman, whether people they knew had made sexist or racist remarks in the past few months, and whether racism or sexism was a more serious problem in the country. Registered Democratic primary voters were asked about the Democratic presidential nomination process and how superdelegates should decide their vote at the convention. Additional questions queried all respondents on Obama's minister Reverend Jeremiah Wright, major league baseball, steriod use in professional sports, the war in Iraq and its effect on the threat of terrorism against the United States, and whether Saddam Hussein was personally involved in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, marital status, whether respondents had children under 18 years of age, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status and participation history, religious preference, frequency of religious attendance, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Post-Democratic Convention Poll, September 1996 (ICPSR 2004)
Released/updated on: 2009-08-03
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1996-09-01--1996-09-30
This special topic poll, conducted September 3-4, 1996, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of political and social issues. The focus of this data collection was on the views of registered voters shortly after the 1996 Democratic National Convention held August 26-29, 1996. Views were sought on Bill Clinton's handling of the presidency and the national economy. Registered voters were asked to rate the likelihood that they would vote in the upcoming presidential election in November, to forecast their choices for president and for United States Representative, and to give their opinions of Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Dole, Newt Gingrich, and presidential candidates Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, and Ross Perot. In addition, respondents were asked to compare the positions of Bill Clinton and Bob Dole on issues such as taxes, Social Security, crime, welfare, Medicare, the military, the environment, and illegal drug use. Other questions addressed the recent United States missile attack on Iraq, Clinton's handling of the situation, and accusations involving Clinton's chief political advisor Dick Morris. Demographic information includes sex, age, race, education level, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status and participation history, religion, and whether respondents considered themselves part of the religious right.
Curated
New York Times Democratic Convention Delegate Survey, 1988 (ICPSR 9217)
Released/updated on: 2008-12-11
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-06-20--1988-07-12
Conducted shortly before the National Democratic Convention of 1988, this survey examines attitudes of the delegates to the convention on a variety of national issues. Major areas of investigation include delegates' views on federal spending issues, taxes, government attention to various social groups and government responsibilities, the role of Jesse Jackson, candidate Dukakis's choice of running mate, the death penalty, and United States/Soviet relations. Profiles of the delegates include their participation in Democratic party affairs, elective offices they have held or currently hold, 1984 presidential preference, household financial situation, age, religion, labor union membership, marital status, occupation, education, race, and income.
Curated
ABC News Democratic Convention Poll #2, July 1992 (ICPSR 9933)
Released/updated on: 2007-09-18
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-07-14--1992-07-14
This survey, conducted on Tuesday of the week of the 1992 Democratic National Convention, asked respondents for whom they would vote if the election were held that day and the candidates were Bush, Clinton, and Perot, whether they were leaning toward Bush, Clinton, or Perot, if they were satisfied that Clinton had the honesty and integrity to serve effectively as president, how much they knew about Clinton, and whether they planned to watch Clinton's speech to the Democratic National Convention Thursday night. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, likelihood of voting in the 1992 presidential election, age, and sex.
Curated
ABC News Democratic Convention Poll #3, July 1992 (ICPSR 9932)
Released/updated on: 2007-05-07
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-07-15--1992-07-15
This survey, conducted on Wednesday of the week of the 1992 Democratic National Convention, asked respondents for whom they would vote if the election were held that day and the candidates were Bush, Clinton, and Perot, whether they were leaning toward Bush, Clinton, or Perot, if they were satisfied that Clinton had the honesty and integrity to serve effectively as president, how much they knew about Clinton, and whether they planned to watch Clinton's speech to the Democratic National Convention Thursday night. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, likelihood of voting in the 1992 presidential election, age, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Democratic Delegate Poll, July 1992 (ICPSR 9935)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-01
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-06-22--1992-07-06
This survey polled delegates to the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Respondents were asked to agree or disagree with statements covering a variety of issues, including raising taxes to deal with the federal budget deficit, a constitutional amendment outlawing abortion, and cutting defense spending in half over the next five years. Respondents were also asked whether it was the role of government to see to it that everyone had a job, whether they favored smaller government with fewer services or larger government with many services, and whether a breakdown in family values or government neglect of the cities was more responsible for the riots that had occurred in Los Angeles. The survey also posed questions regarding a tax cut for middle-income Americans and a program of national health insurance funded by tax increases. A major portion of the survey queried delegates on their choice for the 1992 Democratic nominee for president and vice president, and posed questions regarding various scenarios which assumed the nomination of Bill Clinton. Questions pertaining to the presidential election in general included delegates' opinions of Ross Perot, the likelihood of a race among Bush, Clinton, and Perot being decided in the House of Representatives, and whether Democratic House members should support Clinton unconditionally if the election was decided by the House of Representatives. Additionally, the survey questioned respondents about potential items for inclusion in the Democratic party platform, including increasing taxes to reduce the deficit, federally-funded abortion on demand, tax cuts for the middle class, limiting individual campaign contributions to $100, free trade with Mexico, and the $35 billion urban program proposed by the nation's mayors. Background information on delegates includes whether they held a Democratic party or public position and whether that position was elected or appointed, political orientation, education, age, religion, marital status, employment status, race, income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Democratic Convention Opener Poll, July 2004 (ICPSR 4113)
Released/updated on: 2005-03-25
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2004-07-01--2004-07-31
This special topic poll, conducted June 16-17, 2004, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of United States President George W. Bush, how he had handled his presidency, the state of the economy and respondents' personal financial situations during Bush's presidency, and how he compared to Democratic presidential candidate Senator John F. Kerry on trustworthiness, leadership abilities, honesty, etc. Respondents were further asked whom they would vote for if the election were held that day, how closely they were following the 2004 United States presidential election, whether they were a strong supporter for either candidate, and whether they were voting for one candidate or voting against the other candidate. Respondents were polled on what single issue Kerry should address in his Democratic Convention speech, whether this presidential election was more important than many presidential elections in the past, whether the Bush administration purposely misled the public about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and other issues concerning the war in Iraq. Background information includes age, education, household income, labor union membership status, marital status, political ideology, presidential choice in 2000, race, religious affiliation, sex, urbanicity, veteran status, and voter participation in 2000.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Democratic Convention Closer Poll, July 2004 (ICPSR 4118)
Released/updated on: 2005-03-25
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2004-07-01--2004-07-31
This poll, conducted July 30-August 1, 2004, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit opinions on the presidency and on other political and social issues. Shortly after the close of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, respondents were asked how closely they were following the 2004 United States presidential election, how likely they were to vote, and which candidate they were likely to vote for or favored. They were queried on their knowledge and opinions of the candidates, Republican incumbent George W. Bush and Democratic Senator John F. Kerry, and their preferences between the candidates concerning domestic and international issues, and personal qualities. Specific questions asked which candidate the respondent trusted to do a better job handling the economy, the situation in Iraq, education, the United States campaign against terrorism, health care, taxes, international relations, and improving United States intelligence agencies. Respondents were also asked which candidate they thought was more honest and trustworthy, understood the problems of people like them, was a strong leader, took a position and stuck with it, would make the country safer and more secure, shared their values, had a vision for the future, and understood complex issues. Background information includes age, education, ethnicity, geographic classification, labor union membership, political party affiliation, political party ideology, religious affiliation, voter registration status, and whether the respondent voted in the 2000 United States presidential election and for whom they voted.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Post-Democratic National Committee (DNC) Convention Poll, August 2000 (ICPSR 3071)
Released/updated on: 2001-03-15
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-08-18--2000-08-18
This special topic poll, fielded August 18, 2000, queried respondents following the August 14-17 Democratic National Committee (DNC) Convention in Los Angeles, CA. Respondents were asked how much attention they had paid to the 2000 presidential race and whether they intended to vote in the November election. Those queried were asked for whom they would vote, given a choice among candidates Vice President Al Gore (Democratic Party), Texas governor George W. Bush (Republican Party), conservative commentator Pat Buchanan (Reform Party), and political activist Ralph Nader (Green Party). Their views were sought on whether the nation needed a president who could set it in a new direction or whether the nation needed to keep moving in the direction President Bill Clinton had been taking it. Respondents were asked which candidate they trusted to better handle the national economy, protect the Social Security system, improve education and the schools, help the middle class, improve the health care system, and hold taxes down. Additional topics covered whether Gore and Bush were strong leaders, had appealing personalities, understood the problems of the American people, and possessed sufficient experience to be president, and which political party was more tolerant of different points of view. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, and race.
Curated
Party Elites in the United States, 1976: Democratic National Convention Delegates (ICPSR 8207)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1976-01-01--1976-12-31
This data collection was designed to provide information on the personal and political backgrounds, political attitudes, and relevant behavior of party leaders. Data are presented on delegates to the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Questions focus on the "representativeness" of the party elites who were selected to go to the National Convention and also probe for the leaders' views on a number of important issues related to the "reform" era in the political party and for their opinions on what a national party is and should be. The representation of minorities and females in the process received particular attention as did a comparison of the views of the party professionals. Specific variables include characterization of the respondent's political beliefs on the liberal-conservative scale, length of time the respondent had been active in the Democratic party, and the respondent's positions on party unity, party loyalty, the Campaign Finance Law, the primary system, and directions the party might take in the future. In addition, data are provided on the respondent's views toward certain provisions of the party's Charter. Demographic characteristics are supplied as well.
Curated
Party Elites in the United States, 1980: Republican and Democratic Party Leaders (ICPSR 8209)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1980-01-01--1980-12-31
This dataset was designed to provide information on the personal and political backgrounds, political attitudes, and relevant behavior of party leaders. The data pertain to Democratic and Republican party elites holding office during the election year of 1980 and include County and State Chairs, members of the Democratic and Republican National Committees, and delegates to the National Conventions. These data focus on the "representativeness" of the party elites on a variety of dimensions and also permit a comparison of party leaders from the local, state, and national organizational levels. Other issues explored include the party reform era, the effects of the growing body of party law, and the nationalization of the political parties. Specific variables include characterization of respondent's political beliefs on the liberal-conservative scale, length of time the respondent had been active in the party, and the respondent's opinions on minorities in the party, party unity, national- and local-level party strength, and party loyalty. Respondents were also queried on attitudes toward important national problems, defense spending, and inflation. In addition, their opinions were elicited on controversial provisions in their parties' charters and on the directions their parties should take in the future. Demographic characteristics are supplied as well.
Curated
Party Elites in the United States, 1984: Republican and Democratic Party Leaders (ICPSR 8617)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1984-07-01--1984-10-31
This dataset was designed to provide information on the personal and political backgrounds, political attitudes, and relevant behavior of party leaders. The data pertain to Democratic and Republican party elites holding office during the election year of 1984 and include County and State Chairs, members of the Democratic and Republican National Committees, and delegates to the 1984 National Conventions. These data focus on the "representativeness" of the party elites on a variety of dimensions and also permit a comparison of party leaders from the local, state, and national organizational levels. Special emphasis is placed on the presidential election, the presidential nominations system, public policy issues current in the 1984 campaign, and the future of the political parties. In addition, special note was taken of the views of women and minorities and the problem of providing them with representation in the parties. The question of whether their policy views and ideologies differed from other political party elites was also explored. Specific variables include characterization of respondent's political beliefs on the liberal-conservative scale, length of time the respondent had been active in the party, and the respondent's opinions on minorities in the party, party unity, national- and local-level party strength, and party loyalty. Respondents were also queried on attitudes toward important national problems, defense spending, and inflation. In addition, their opinions were elicited on controversial provisions instituted by their parties and on the directions their parties should take in the future. Demographic characteristics are supplied as well.
Curated
Partially restricted
Convention Delegate Study, 1980 [United States] (ICPSR 8367)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1972-01-01--1980-12-31
These data examine the continuities and changes between 1972 and 1981 in the careers, political participation, issue preferences, and political perspectives of the group of political activists represented by delegates to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions during that period. Questions tap respondent attitudes toward the party and its nomination process, various issues and candidates, and political ideology. Information on the respondent's past political activity and attitudes toward political participation are also included.
Curated
Partially restricted
Convention Delegate Study, 1984: [United States] (ICPSR 8967)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1984-01-01--1984-12-31
These data represent a continuation of a data collection effort begun in 1972 to gather information on the careers and political perspectives of the delegates to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Respondents were asked questions regarding their political participation and preferences, their attitudes towards the candidates, and their issue preferences. Additionally, questions concerning respondents' life histories, political goals and expectations, and affiliations with various groups in society were asked. Demographic information was also collected.
Curated
Partially restricted
Convention Delegate Study of 1972: Women in Politics (ICPSR 7287)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1972-01-01--1972-12-31
This study consists of two analytically distinct parts. The first 351 variables contain information from 2,587 delegates to the Republican and Democratic national nominating conventions of 1972 who responded to a pre-convention mail questionnaire (response rate of 58 percent). Data for the next 381 variables were gathered in post-convention personal interviews with 1,336 respondents selected as a representative sample of delegates. Either segment of the data may be analyzed independently, or the appropriate subset of merged data may be selected. The study focused on the changing role of women in politics, utilizing the nominating conventions as a means of defining and identifying an elite segment of the population and women in politics at one point in time. The mail questionnaire provided information on the nature and composition of each of the national conventions in terms of the delegates' personal life histories, political expectations and aspirations, and attitudes towards candidates, issues, and groups in society and at the conventions. The personal interview built on the pre-convention instrument and examined in depth the candidate selection process, the convention proceedings, and the psychological factors involved in women's political activity. Demographic data include age, sex, race, place of birth, marital status, number of children, ethnicity, education, parents' and spouse's levels of education, occupation, and family income.
Curated
Convention Delegate Study, 1992: [United States] (ICPSR 6353)
Released/updated on: 1996-02-09
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-01-01--1992-12-31
These data represent the fifth in a series of data collection efforts begun in 1972 to gather information on the careers and political perspectives of the delegates to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Respondents were asked questions regarding their political participation and preferences, life histories, political goals and expectations, and affiliations with various groups in society. The dataset also documents their attitudes toward political actors such as Jerry Brown, Pat Buchanan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Robert Dole, Jesse Jackson, Jack Kemp, Ross Perot, Dan Quayle, Pat Robertson, and Paul Tsongas, among many others. Attitudes toward health care, sexual harassment, the role of women in society, term limitations, urban unrest, school prayer, abortion, defense, and minorities are among the issues investigated. Attempts were made to match some items with those employed in the 1992 American National Election Studies. Some items about the Perot candidacy are also included.
Curated
Convention Delegate Study, 1988: [United States] (ICPSR 6366)
Released/updated on: 1995-10-12
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-01-01--1988-12-31
These data represent the fourth in a series of data collection efforts begun in 1972 to gather information on the careers and political perspectives of the delegates to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Respondents were asked questions regarding their political participation and preferences, life histories, political goals and expectations, and affiliations with various groups in society. The dataset also documents delegates' attitudes toward political actors such as Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Walter Mondale, Jesse Jackson, Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, Bob Dole, and Jack Kemp, among many others. Attitudes toward the women's movement, the moral majority, gay rights groups, abortion, environmentalists, business interests, defense, and minorities are among the issues also investigated.
Curated
Washington Post Democratic Convention Delegate Poll, 1988 (ICPSR 9068)
Released/updated on: 1992-02-16
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-06-21--1988-07-10
This data collection examines attitudes of delegates to the 1988 Democratic National Convention on a variety of social and political issues. Major areas of investigation include delegates' views on ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, raising taxes to deal with the federal budget deficit, using the CIA to undermine hostile foreign governments, reinstituting the military draft, outlawing abortion, government provision of a national health care program, and reducing the military budget. Delegates also were asked where they would place Michael Dukakis on a scale running from very liberal to very conservative, whom they favored for the vice presidential nomination, if they would work enthusiastically for Dukakis if he won the nomination, if it would be a good or a bad idea to have Jesse Jackson as the vice presidential nominee, and if they agreed with several statements proposed for the party platform such as calling South Africa a terrorist state and putting a freeze on defense spending. Profiles of the delegates include participation in Democratic party affairs, elected or appointed public positions currently held, self-placement on a liberal/conservative scale, prior attendance at a national convention, candidate voted for on the first ballot at the 1984 national convention, the candidate the delegate would vote for on the first ballot at the 1988 convention, education, age, religion, marital status, labor union membership, employment status, race, sex, income, and region of residence.