The role of religion in the 2016 american presidential election

Abstract

This article analyzes patterns of continuity and change in the presidential voting patterns of the American electorate, particularly as it relates to the role of religion in American presidential politics. Given American cultural values related to wanting their political leaders to be religious, it seeks to ascertain how Trump could, in light of these cultural values, still capture the Republican nomination and then defeat Clinton in the general election. So doing, this study seeks to address whether the election of Trump reflects a major shift in American electoral politics.