“Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Some believe that: They can do what they will if they sincerely believe that it is what their God wants of them. God grants eternal life to those who have faith and have lived their life abiding by God’s teachings. God teaches the Golden Rule. God knows what is in their mind and heart. God works through those in positions of authority. For those who have faith in God, that God will take into consideration the intent of one’s actions when they intentionally violate the Golden Rule. What God wants of them is put forth by the clergy.
Some clergy work through their adherents to achieve what they, the clergy, believe and want. In their ability to do so, they have gained power and influence.

Gerrymandering, as put forth in the Constitution, enable political parties to define voting districts to persevere their representation, i.e., power and influence.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” What is “religion?” Is it a church or beliefs? Is one’s religion the set of beliefs that they adopt or a church they attend?

How does the average citizen protect themselves from those in positions of social power and influence?

PS: I recall when "E Pluribus Unum" was our national motto and not "In God We Trust". Social change spanning generations takes organization and wealth.