ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the complex interaction of race, religion, and politics in America. It focuses on two crucial, prominent racial and ethnic groups in the United States: Latinos and African Americans. In focusing on these two groups, the chapter highlights their unusual prominence in American politics today and their long histories in the American political experience. There are many other ethno-religious groups that are relatively new, smaller, and less influential, including religiously devout immigrant communities from Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. It is expected that the dynamic experiences of Latinos and African Americans, each in their own way, provide insights into the prospects for these newer groups within American political culture. Although many Latinos share the Spanish language and other aspects of culture, worship styles and religious practices among Latino Catholics vary widely. Much of the diversity is tied to different countries of origin.
