The record is a screed against topics ranging from organized religion and Neo-Nazis, to the pesticide Kepone and the government indifference that worsened the effects of the Minamata disaster.

During 1980 and 1981 the American punk scene saw an influx of 7-inch EPs from Washington D.C.'s Dischord Records from bands like Minor Threat and Teen Idles.

In wanting to pay tribute to this faster form of punk rock, and to showcase the talents of their new drummer D. H. Peligro, Dead Kennedys put together some new material and sped up a few songs that had only been heard on their 1978 demos and in early live shows.

[14] The album cover depicts a golden Jesus crucified on a cross of dollar bills, with a background of a shiny metal material.

"[16] In God We Trust, Inc. first appeared on compact disc in 1985 as bonus material added to the Dead Kennedys' 1982 LP Plastic Surgery Disasters.