The first amendment, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances", illustrates a clear wish on behalf of the founding fathers to prevent congress from limiting the establishment and exercise of religion of any denomination. This amendment paved the way for America to become a diverse society in which religions of all types would be able to play a role in shaping society. .
Religion has played and continues to play a key role in shaping world politics. In countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, Islam not only shapes law but also dominates politics, all decisions being scrutinised by respected religious leaders. These countries may be considered to be at one extreme end of the religion and politics debate, secular states such as China being at the opposite end of the spectrum. .
In America religious affiliation has often led to commentators speculating that voters of a particular denomination are likely to vote in a certain fashion. Research however conducted during the 1990s has shown this not to be the case and that the extent of religiosity is a more reliable indictor of the direction in which vote is likely to be cast. This suggests therefore that although religion does play a role in American politics, in keeping with the first amendment one particular religion has not triumphed with the aim of excluding others, the extent of religions impact on the political process and decision making must however be taken into consideration when considering the relationship between the two.
Religion is increasingly salient in many aspects of American politics. Religious symbols and values play an increasingly prominent role in the political spectrum with some candidates such as Bush in the lead up to the 2000 election claiming that it was God who had chosen him to run for President.
