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Americans' concerns about the federal budget deficit and government dysfunction rose high enough in January to knock unemployment out of the top two slots on Gallup's "most important problem" list for the first time since 2009.

As Vice President Joe Biden leads a federal task force that will recommend ways to curb gun violence in the U.S., 38% of Americans are dissatisfied with the nation's gun laws and want them strengthened, up from 25% in 2012.

Americans' support for the death penalty as punishment for murder has plateaued in the low 60s in recent years after a decade-long decline. Sixty-three percent now favor it, similar to 61% in 2011 and 64% in 2010.

Americans are split when asked if the country's best years are ahead of us or behind us. By almost a 2-1 margin, they predict 2013 will be a year of economic difficulty rather than a year of prosperity.

Parents' concern about their children's safety at school has risen in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting. However, the 33% who currently fear for their child's safety is lower than after similar tragedies.

Fifty-four percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of the National Rifle Association; 38% view it unfavorably. Views of the NRA have fluctuated over time -- from a low of 42% favorable in 1995 to a high of 60% in 2005.

Americans' support for strengthening gun sale laws, as well as for passing new gun laws, is up sharply. But views toward banning semi-automatic rifles and handguns are unchanged, with majorities opposed to both proposals.

Americans' optimism that President Obama and congressional leaders will reach a budget agreement before Jan. 1 has waned somewhat. Over the past week, the percentage saying a compromise will be reached dropped seven points to 50%.

President Barack Obama's job approval rating has risen to 56% in Gallup Daily tracking from Dec. 17-19, by two percentage points his highest three-day reading since October 2009.

Americans still see the economy in general as the nation's most important problem, but fewer do now than in recent months. More Americans this month, but still relatively few overall, name school shootings or violence.