The primary focus of a majority of the surveys has been the political attitudes of African Americans and members of the general population. Other polls the Joint Center has conducted have examined issues including: black philanthropy, attitudes toward other countries, the black family, welfare reform and devolution, health policy, regulatory reform and the declining propensity to serve in the military, among others.

Surveys and studies address major topics concerning European citizenship: enlargement, social situation, health, culture, information technology, environment, the Euro, defense, etc.