The influence of religion on the American political landscape has for a long time been a subject of inquiry. Past findings and existing theories on the sociology of religion maintain two opposing views on the way that religion has influenced contemporary American politics. However, a closer review of the US system reveals an apparent commanding influence of religion on dominant religious rhetoric and voting patterns. Polarization has worked to motivate the masses to approve of foreign policies and even war in the case of the events after the 9/11 attacks when America invaded Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the present polarization continues to be a motivating element for religious rhetoric and possibly voting patterns considering the 2016 elections. Trump being the leading republican presidential contender is an example of the influence of religion in the US politics, considering his wholesale war propaganda on Islam. His stance and political status at the present is going to play a major role in the final outcome. It is based on this premise that we suggest the ongoing influence of religion on American politics in the 2016 US presidential elections will guide the result.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background /Literature review
3. Cause and Effect
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this research is to analyze the influence of religion on the American political landscape, specifically examining how religious rhetoric and affiliation impact voting patterns and political outcomes in the 2016 US presidential elections.
- The intersection of religious ideology and political discourse in the United States.
- Historical and theoretical foundations of the relationship between religion and state governance.
- The impact of political rhetoric regarding Islam and foreign policy on swing votes.
- Comparative analysis of religious voting behaviors across different electoral cycles (2004, 2008, 2016).
- The role of civil religion and moral values in shaping voter identity and partisan polarization.
Excerpt from the Book
The American Context
Now coming to the American context, we have to analyze the previous elections to see what the possible situation is at the present and what the future holds. During the 2004 election, the voters chose between candidates advocating different approaches to a number of issues that concerned national consequence. At the time, the United States was en tangled in two costly was and was still reeling from the effects of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. At home, president George, W. Bush and congress had just passé the prescription drug reforms and enacted some controversial taxation cuts and legislated changes in education. In the aftermath of the 2004 election, there were many observers who concluded that the reelection was not because of any of the aforementioned reforms, though. It was because of the people’s concern with moral values (religious rhetoric). The significant role of religion in the election gained a lot of support from the election day exit polling, showing a gap between religious and secular voters. George Bush got 64 percent of the vote among the people who were attending religious services more than once a week apparently according to polls.
Kerry, his opponent received 62 percent support among the ones that never attended services at the same time, 22 percent of the voting public claimed that moral values were the most significant issue that was facing the nation at the time. This group had decidedly swung toward the republican side.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter outlines the historical influence of religion on American politics and introduces the premise that religious rhetoric remains a critical factor in the 2016 electoral outcomes.
Background /Literature review: This section explores various philosophical and religious perspectives on democracy, state governance, and the separation of church and state, drawing on historical figures like Augustine and Plato.
Cause and Effect: This chapter details the systematic review methodology and analyzes how political rhetoric surrounding religious identity and international conflicts creates voter polarization and shapes electoral behavior.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, asserting that religious rhetoric continues to be a strategic and highly influential tool used by political elites to attract voters and secure political agendas.
Keywords
American Politics, 2016 Elections, Religion, Political Rhetoric, Voting Patterns, Polarization, Democracy, Civil Religion, Religious Rhetoric, Foreign Policy, Political Elite, Voter Behavior, Moral Values, Islam, Secularism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the ongoing influence of religious ideology and rhetoric on the political landscape of the United States, specifically focusing on its impact on the 2016 presidential election cycle.
What are the central thematic fields?
The study centers on political communication, the intersection of church and state, historical political philosophy, electoral strategy, and the sociological aspects of religion in American democracy.
What is the primary research question?
The research seeks to understand if and how religion will influence the voting patterns of Christians, Muslims, and the general American public in the 2016 presidential election.
What scientific method does the author employ?
The author utilizes a systematic review of existing literature, including academic articles, meta-analyses, and high-quality news reports, to integrate findings on the interplay between religion and politics.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers historical perspectives from theologians like Augustine, comparisons with the 2004 and 2008 US elections, the role of political rhetoric in the Trump era, and the use of religious discourse to polarize voters.
Which keywords best characterize this document?
The most important keywords include American Politics, 2016 Elections, Political Rhetoric, Polarization, and Civil Religion.
How does the paper relate religious conflict to voter behavior?
It argues that political elites use inflammatory rhetoric—particularly regarding Islam—to create a "block" of voters, effectively using religion as a tool to polarize the electorate and influence swing voters.
What is the significance of the "civil religion" concept mentioned in the text?
Civil religion represents non-denominational spiritualized national identity, which political elites manipulate to create common ground or heighten identity-based divisions during electoral campaigns.
- Quote paper
- Madi Brietzke (Author), 2015, Religious influence on American politics. The 2016 elections in context, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/334778
