Monday, October 28, 2013

Learning Objective 5.2

L.O.- Describe the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion

Freedom of Religion

  • The freedom of religion is mentioned in the first amendment.
    • Establishment clause: first amendment, first clause; directs the national government to not sanction an official religion.
    • Free exercise clause: first amendment, second clause; prohibits the U.S. government from interfering a person's right to practice her or her religion.

Establishment Clause

  • The establishment clause states that the government can not sanction an official religion
  • For establishing a religion, the Supreme Court has come up with a 3-part test that examines the constitutionality of religious establishment issues known as the Lemon Test
    • Lemon Test: in order for a practice to be constitutional, it must have these 3 things...
      1. A legitimate secular purpose.
      2. Neither advance nor inhibit religion.
      3. Doesn't foster an excessive government entanglement with religion. 

Free Exercise Clause

  • The free exercise clause requires that a state or national government cannot unfairly target one religion. 

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