Final answer:
The claim that 57% of people surveyed by Pew Research in Feb. 2013 said gun control laws would give too much power to the government is false, as the provided information does not specify such a statistic. The issue of gun control involves complex public opinions and legislative responses that focus on balancing rights and public safety, displaying polarization between political parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 57% of people surveyed by Pew Research in Feb. 2013 said that gun control laws would "give too much power to the government over the people" is false. The Pew Research findings presented do not include a statistic from February 2013 that specifically states that percentage. Public opinions on gun control and government power are complex and vary widely, with many Americans expressing concerns about balancing second amendment rights and public safety. It is mentioned, however, that there is a growing polarization between political parties about the role of government, which has increased since 2012.
In discussing the evolution of public attitudes and government policies concerning gun control, it is highlighted that while some groups advocate for more stringent laws or an outright ban on specific types of firearms, others vehemently oppose such restrictions. Particularly following high-profile mass shootings, the debates around these issues become more intense, though basic public attitudes about gun control rarely shift in a significant way. Instead, states attempt to strike a balance through various legislative measures, such as mandating background checks in certain circumstances.