The Presidency and Religion

This video originally aired on Sunday, November 11, 2007.

About This Video

The late Senator John F. Kennedy (D-MA) delivered a speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association in Houston, TX during the 1960 presidential campaign where he addressed the role of religion in American politics and the presidency.

Discussion Questions

  1. What religion did Sen. Kennedy practice? Why was this an issue during the 1960 presidential campaign?
  2. Summarize Sen. Kennedy's views on the separation of church and state. Discuss how he used these views to support his candidacy for president.
  3. Why do you think Sen. Kennedy mentioned Thomas Jefferson's "Statute of Religious Freedom," The First Amendment, and Article VI of the U.S. Constitution in his speech? Explain the significance of these documents.
  4. Compare the issue of religion during the 1960 presidential campaign to the 2008 presidential campaign. How important is a presidential candidate's religion to you? Explain your answer.

Keywords

Campaigns and Elections, Climate Change, POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, Religion

Related Subjects/Topics

  • Campaigns and Elections
  • U.S. History

Speakers

  • Sen. John F Kennedy (D-MA)