U.S. Government: Religious Freedom, Polarization, and Executive Power

Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)

Strengthened protection of religious freedom and requires the government to prove a compelling interest using the least restrictive means

RFRA standard

Government must show a compelling interest and least restrictive means when burdening religion

Substantial burden

Government pressure to violate religious beliefs or face serious penalties

When RFRA cannot block a law

When the law protects public safety, health, or welfare in the least restrictive way

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (2014)

Supreme Court case allowing corporations to claim religious exemptions

David Post's view

Corporations should not be religious persons and the burden standard is too broad

Michael McConnell's view

Corporations are groups of people who retain religious rights

American Dream

The opportunity to work hard and build a better life

Why the American Dream is harder today

Economic inequality and limited opportunity

Barriers to the American Dream

Family income, race, and school quality

Robert Putnam's argument

Wealthy students succeed more due to resources and support

Why test scores don't explain success

They ignore advantages like wealth and social connections

Affective polarization

Emotional hostility and distrust between political parties

Examples of polarization

Avoiding the other party, moral distrust, unwillingness to compromise

Cause of polarization

Group identity and in-group vs. out-group thinking

Factors increasing polarization

Partisan media, political rhetoric, social sorting, echo chambers

Consequences of polarization

Gridlock, less cooperation, declining trust in institutions

Solutions to polarization

Bipartisan dialogue and emphasizing shared identity

Dehumanization

Treating opponents as less than human

Difference between dehumanization and disagreement

Dehumanization attacks humanity, not just ideas

Effects of dehumanization

Increased violence, deeper division, justification of harm

Role of political leaders in polarization

Their rhetoric shapes public attitudes and behavior

Abraham Lincoln executive power

Suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War

Franklin D. Roosevelt executive power

Expanded federal power through the New Deal and challenged the Supreme Court

George W. Bush executive power

Expanded surveillance and detention after 9/11

Joe Biden executive power

Attempted student loan forgiveness and used executive actions on policy issues

Donald Trump executive power

Declared national emergency for border wall and expanded immigration actions

When presidents expand power

During war, crises, or political gridlock

Concern about executive power

It can weaken checks and balances and bypass Congress