THE RELIGIO-POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE MORAL ASPECT OF AMERICAN POLITICS

Abstract

This article considers the problem of the core political narratives of American history. The concept of American exceptionalism is often seen as one of the most significant elements of American identity. Some scholars tend to link this concept primarily to foreign policy, especially in terms of unilateral style of decision-making. However, this concept tends to be a much deeper and much more ambivalent phenomenon: the moral attitude to American politics which is shared by many Americans often causes major divisions and fierce discussions. Even those Americans who oppose Washington often frame their worldview in terms of the exceptional values of the United States. The roots of this phenomenon can be found in early American history; research suggests that the tradition of value-driven perception of American politics is almost as old as the country itself. The early colonists show the first example of the moral attitude to politics. During the period of the British colonial rule, religion played a key role in American society; America was home to many religious enthusiasts that wanted to build a new society on a new land, a society of perfect morals, and a just political structure was thought to be as important in terms of the moral stan- dard. This message became so influential that it continued to live among secular and rationalist American thinkers. Thus, both the very existence of the United States and the constant struggle to create “a perfect union” were understood morally, and this mindset became the cornerstone of this new society.

Keywords:

American exceptionalism, city upon a hill, founding fathers, John Winthrop, Mayflower сompact, Thomas Paine, American War of Independence, a political culture of the U. S., American identity