Extent Of Religious Right Influence 1981-92 Flashcards
(75 cards)
What was a significant factor for the dominance of the Republican Party in the 1980s?
The poor performance of the American economy in the late 1970s under Democrat president Jimmy Carter.
This economic downturn contributed to a shift in political power towards the Republicans.
What foreign affairs issue contributed to Jimmy Carter’s poor performance?
The Iran Hostage Crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
These events affected public perception of Carter’s leadership.
What role did the Religious Right play in the political landscape of the 1980s?
Supported ‘traditional values’ and believed in the central role of family and Christianity in American society.
Their influence was significant in mobilizing voters who identified with these values.
In 1980, how was the USA characterized in terms of religiosity?
The most religious nation in the western world.
This high level of religiosity provided a large audience for the Religious Right’s message.
What percentage of Americans prayed every day according to a late 1970s poll?
Approximately 50 percent.
This statistic illustrates the strong religious sentiment in the country at the time.
What percentage of Americans believed in an afterlife in the late 1970s?
80 percent.
This belief further highlights the religious context in which the Religious Right operated.
Who was the best-known individual associated with the Religious Right?
Reverend Jerry Falwell.
His prominence helped shape the Religious Right’s political influence.
What was the name of the radio show hosted by Jerry Falwell?
The Old Time Gospel Hour.
This show reached over 1.5 million listeners nationwide.
What organization did Jerry Falwell found in 1979?
The Moral Majority.
This organization aimed to promote traditional values and harness the political influence of the Religious Right.
Fill in the blank: The Moral Majority was founded to promote _______.
[traditional values].
The organization focused on mobilizing those who identified with these values.
True or False: The Religious Right had no significant political influence during the 1980s.
False.
The Religious Right played a crucial role in the political dynamics of the decade.
What was the potential audience size for Jerry Falwell’s radio show?
1.5 million people.
This large audience helped disseminate the Religious Right’s message widely.
What role did television evangelists play in the USA from 1955-92?
Television evangelists, such as Pat Robertson, had a significant influence, with Robertson’s network making $310 million and reaching an audience of 20 million in 1980.
Who was Jerry Falwell?
Jerry Falwell (1933-2007) was a prominent evangelical leader who founded the Moral Majority and was an outspoken critic of liberal social movements.
What did Jerry Falwell establish in 1967 and 1971?
He founded the Lynchburg Christian Academy in 1967 and Liberty Baptist College in 1971.
What was the Moral Majority?
The Moral Majority was a political organization founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979 that aimed to promote conservative Christian values.
What was the outcome of Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell?
The US Supreme Court ruled in 1988 that public figures could not receive libel damages for emotional distress caused by media stories, protecting free speech.
How much money did Falwell help raise for Moral Majority causes?
Falwell helped raise $100 million for Moral Majority causes during the 1980 Reagan campaign.
What was President Reagan’s stance on traditional values?
During his 1980 campaign, Reagan expressed support for traditional family values, traditional gender roles, and the rights of unborn children.
What significant Supreme Court appointments did Reagan make?
Reagan appointed Sandra Day O’Connor, William Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, and elevated Anthony Kennedy, making the Court more conservative.
What did Reagan claim about the role of faith in politics?
In a 1984 speech, Reagan stated that faith and religion play a critical role in the political life of the nation and strengthen society.
What was the significance of the phrase ‘one nation under God’ in Reagan’s speech?
Reagan emphasized that forgetting this principle could lead to the nation’s downfall.
What significant event occurred on 23 August 1987?
Reagan starts her Just Say No campaign against illegal drug use.
What happened in 1989 regarding Robert Bork?
The US Senate rejects the nomination of Robert Bork as a US Supreme Court judge.
