Republicans are now rated higher than Democrats on handling the economy and foreign policy, and the GOP's lead has strengthened on several other issues, including dealing with the federal deficit and ensuring a strong national defense.
On topics such as health care, Democrats have seen their long-standing advantage whittled to lows not seen in years.
The poll also reflected unease over the economy. Just 27% of Americans think the economy will improve over the next year, the lowest since July 2012, while nearly two-thirds think the country is on the wrong track.
The jolt of support for Republicans falls well short of a renaissance, as the party itself remains widely unpopular by other measures. In the poll, just 28% of Americans said they hold positive views of the GOP, compared with 40% who view the Democrats positively. Less than half of conservatives see the GOP favorably, and just 13% of independents.
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