Currently, 58% of Americans say they approve of labor unions, while 33% disapprove. The high point for approval of unions came in 1953 and 1957, when 75% approved. The low point was in 1979 and 1981, when 55% approved. [Aug 5-8, 2002; Aug 14-17, 1981; May 4-7, 1979; Jan 17-22, 1957; Oct 9-14, 1953]

Among the general American population, 34% say math is the subject they studied in school that has been most valuable to them, while 24% say English/literature/reading. Among men, math is chosen more frequently than English is, by 41% to 15%. Among women, English is chosen more often than math is, by 32% to 28%. [Aug 5-8, 2002]

Among white Americans who have children in school, 27% say they fear for their oldest child's safety while he or she is at school. The percentage is substantially higher (42%) among nonwhite American parents. [Aug 5-8, 2002]

The vast majority of parents with children in kindergarten through 12^th grade (89%) say they send their children to public schools. Seven percent say they send their children to private schools, while 2% say their children attend parochial schools. Another 2% say their children are home schooled. [Aug 5-8, 2002]

Are Americans more likely to say that the Republicans or the Democrats watch out for the best interests of ordinary Americans, rather than the interests of corporations? Find out by reading Gallup's analysis of the political impact made by the corporate scandals.