U.S. Rep. Steve King also has a long history of promoting that movement’s pet ideas. In 2002, while a member of the Iowa legislature, King introduced a bill requiring that public schools teach that the United States derives its strength from 'Christianity, free enterprise capitalism and Western civilization.'

Sure, members of Congress can use a Bible to take the oath of office, but they’re not required to use anything. They can just take the oath if they choose. Or they can swear on another book.

The Alabama ballot proposal would alter the state constitution to say it’s permissible to display the Ten Commandments in those cases where courts have already said it’s OK. If you look a little deeper, you'll see its real purpose: to promote government display of a religious document.