A major problem in our government today is the influence that religion has on state and national government laws. Government and religion must always be kept separate due to the fact that there are multiple religions in the United States and religious influence favors one over the other and influences the laws that can be imposed on the people. A major problem of religion and state is same-sex marriage which, due to religious rules, mainly forms Christianity, prohibits this act and the influence of Christianity on states is evident, which explains why it is illegal in more of 50% of the states of America. Another problem is the treatment of abortion, although the government says it is legal. Religions tell people that it is bad and illegal, which is another example of religion trying to influence government decisions. Religious influence in government can be eliminated by prohibiting the teachings of a religion from directly affecting a religious preference or law, differentiating between religious and state-recognized marriage, and ensuring that religious influence does not affect the choice of government candidates. Religious influence has always been a part of American government from the beginning. Even in the earliest history of the creation of our government with the Declaration of Independence, God is mentioned in the first paragraph. Although religion has been found over the past two centuries to exert influence on the government of the United States, this influence enjoys a relatively good reputation. Religious influence in the state and in the law was an early means of the governmental system, but it continues to exert a determining influence. The influence, however, concerned the religion and idealism of the individuals who carried it...... middle of paper ......ation and the attributional style among university students. " Research in Individual Differences 11.2 (2013): 59-69. Academic Research Completed. Web, October 31, 2013. NeJaime, Douglas. “Marriage Inequalities: Same-Sex Relationships, Religious Exemptions, and the Production of Sexual Orientation Discrimination Academic Research Completed. October 31, 2013. Wardle, Lynn D. “Marriage and Religious Liberty: Comparative Law Issues and Solutions to Conflict of Laws.” Web. October 31, 2013. Antle III, W. James. “Speak Now or Forever Shut Up.” Cover story July 3, 2005. Web... 2013.