What is the general reason why my car steering wheel would spin slightly back and forth(like 11 PM to1PM)?

Commonly called "loss of motion". Can be caused by anything from center link worn to rack and pinion problems. (depending on what kind of car it is) Also can be normal deflection in the sidewalls of the tires. My suggestion is to take it to a dealer and have the suspension checked for worn parts. Almost every car out there needs a good deal of front end work and alignment.

there as a small amount of ''free play'' purposely engineered into a steering system. It all has to do with the theory that a moving object tends to want to stay in the same direction,,,, and that functionally it gives the driver better steering control. This free play is adjustable.

If you have no steering problems then best to leave it alone.

Most steering problems are caused by worn out steering knuckles anyway.

If it is a Neon there was a big recall a few years ago on the steering! You should tell us what kind of car it is!

Tie rod ends are wearing out and/or the ball joints are shot.

An out of round (worn unevenly) tire. Or a bent rim can cause that.