when Bush's overall approval rating averaged 36%: 75% of Republicans approved of the job he was doing in January 2007 and 76% approve today. His minimal support among Democrats also hasn't changed. However, among independents, Bush's approval is lower today than it was a year ago: now 20%, down from 29%.

Republican approval of Bush dipped below 70% in two surveys in July 2007 -- possibly a symptom of Republican disagreement with Bush's support for the comprehensive immigration reform bill that died in Congress in late June.

He has clearly recovered from that period, but is still less well rated by members of his party than he was for much of the period from the beginning of his presidency in 2001 through about 2005.

Democrats Not Boosting Congress' Ratings

Despite the Democraticmajority in Congress, rank-and-file Democrats are not nearly as supportive of the job Congress is doing as Republicans are of the job the Republican president is doing. Only 27% of Democrats currently approve of the job Congress is doing, nearly identical to the percentage of Republicans saying the same. A smaller number of independents approve (16%).

Congress enjoyed a slight boost in approval from Democrats in the first few months after taking control of Congress last year. From about February through July 2007, more Democrats than Republicans approved of the job Congress was doing. However, since August, ratings of Congress by members of the two parties have generally been similar.

Bush receives a higher approval rating than Congress from most major societal groups. The notable exceptions are young adults (aged