There is a significant partisan divide on these two questions, however. While Democrats and independents disapprove of drone strikes which put innocent people at risk, Republicans tend to approve of these strikes. 52% of Democrats and 43% of independents disapprove of drone strikes which may kill civilians, but 45% of Republicans approve. Only 28% of Republicans disapprove of drone strikes which risk killing civilians and 29% disapprove of strikes which may kill hostages. 

In principle, however, Americans approve of drone strikes on high-level terrorism suspects overseas. 62% of Americans approve of these drone strikes while 12% disapprove. Support is highest (78%) among Republicans and lowest (56%) among independents.