The strengthening of the "Christian Right" in the United States of America within the last three decades demonstrates the interdependence of religion and political actors. Due to the electoral system and campaign financing in the U.S., political parties have limited possibilities to recruit personnel, to participate in the legislative process or to discipline elected representatives. Due to their remarkable ability to mobilize voters and to effectively pool campaign contributions, well-organized institutions and interest groups with a large membership base have a strong voice in the political...