Religion in the Usa

Religion in the USA

- Constitution, Article 6 :

« No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office public trust under the USA »

- 1st Amendment to the Constitution :

" Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof".

NB : put it in our civi questions

In other modern societies, religion doesn't interfere with political life. But in the USA, it should be the same but in reality, it's not.

Thus, religion has a large scope to influence the political life.

Some American are shocked to have "In God We Trust" on their bills so they have erase it and replace it by their opinion about this fact.

In 1956, during the Cold War, Congress determined that a new motto would partially replace the historical motto of the US, E Pluribus Unum. "In God We Trust" was chosen to differentiate the USA from Communist regimes.

This slogan, along with the Pledge of Allegiance and the oath at the swearing-in of the President are considered "ceremonial" and void of significant religious content. It doesn't mean that the President is a believer.

Influence of religion :

- In 2010, 67% of Americans thought that religion was losing influence (59% in 2006).

-Influence on voting on "values issues" such as abortion rights, gay marriage rights, homeschooling rights, access to contraception, sex education.

- Religious lobbies : a new Pew Report on Religious