Religion and government can be connected in numerous ways, some explicit and some unstated. In theocratic states the government is based on a religious doctrine and the leaders are believed to have been chosen by a religious practice or to have been ordained by a god to rule. In other states there is a less direct relationship between religion and government, but even in the United States there are certain customs, and practices that have religious roots that are used by the government. In addition in certain political systems religious affiliation is important in an individuals ability to govern or to be elected.
