Religious Affiliation and Congressional Representation

Abstract

An examination of the religious affiliations of members of Congress and of the American people showed that, in a religious sense, Congress is only partially representative of Americans. Liberal Protestants, Jews, and Mormons are over-represented in Congress, while conservative Protestants and people with no religious affiliation are under-represented. The religious affiliation of a member of Congress influences that person's party and policy preferences. However, if the composition of Congress were changed to be more religiously representative, congressional policy would change only slightly.