What impact has religion had on American politics since the 1970s?

Question

This is the prompt for a paper I’m writing in an American Civilization class. I’m not really sure where to start with research, as it’s a pretty broad topic and we haven’t covered the 70s yet in lecture. Any tips regarding good resources would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court decision baring payer in school in the 60's and especially Roe vs Wade in 1972 angered fundamentalist Christians. The election of 1976 was dominated by the Watergate scandal but by 1980 the pro life movement had become a force in the Republican party. Bush I had to reverse his position on abortion to be an acceptable nominee for vice president. When Reagan and Bush promised court appointment that would overturn Roe women's groups flocked to the Democrats and pressured them to declare themselves to be pro choice. This combined with the desertion of southern democrats over civil rights produced a geographic realignment of the parties. The northeast which had been republican is now democratic and the south which had been solidly democratic since the civil war is now solidly republican.

Answer 2

Religious principles definetly find their way into the government everyday. Take for example the 2004 election, which George Bush won, with many Christians casting their votes for him because they felt he was more moral, in blasting issues like gay marriage, abortion, and stem cell research...subjects notorious for generating religious uproar. Christians are a very influential lobbying group.

Answer 3

I think Atheism becoming the only government supported religion was very important..