Godless Democrats and Pious Republicans?

Ryan L. Claassen is Associate Professor of Political Science at Kent State University. His research investigates political engagement - especially the role of engagement shaping the capacity of individuals and groups of individuals in the American public to effectively contribute to public opinion and compete democratically. His work has appeared in American Politics Research, the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Political Research Quarterly, and Public Opinion Quarterly.

• Introduction; 1. The religious divide in American politics; 2. Mobilization, capture, and misunderstood trends; 3. Representation and four forces that shape change among activists; 4. First force, the effect of being fruitful and multiplying; 5. Second force, the effect of voting early and often; 6. Third force, the effect of picking a side; 7. Fourth force, the effect of writing checks and knocking on doors; 8. 'Capture' revisited, representation, and religious activists; 9. Conclusion.

'This thoughtful and empirically detailed study of religion and party activism takes us miles beyond simplistic commentaries about godly Republicans and godless Democrats.' Morris P. Fiorina, Stanford University, California