Freedom of Religion

Freedom of religion is the ___ freedom mentioned in the First Amendment

• 1st

• 2nd

• 3rd

• 4th

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or (a)   the free exercise thereof..."

What does the freedom of religion allow?

• Right to follow a religion.

• Right to NOT follow a religion.

• Right for the government to establish national religion.

• Right for public schools to promote religious beliefs.

Answer explanation

The freedom of religion allows anyone to follow any religion as long as the practices do not interfere with the law. Thus, the government cannot establish a central religion, for the people would be unable to follow the religion of their choosing. Similarly, public schools cannot promote religious beliefs toward its students for the same reason.

The government can financially support and endorse a state religion.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The government cannot financially support or endorse a specific religion because these actions do not align with the First Amendment and its prohibition of government interference with religion.

In public schools...

• Religious beliefs can be promoted to students.

• Religious texts can be studied.

• Religious history and world religions can be studied.

• All answer choices.

Answer explanation

Religious beliefs cannot be promoted to students, as it interferes with the people's ability to follow or NOT follow any religion. However, religious texts can be studied if done so with educational intentions rather than devotional ones. Similarly, for academic purposes, schools can teach students about religious history, world religions, etc to allow students to learn about the varying religions and promote an accepting attitude towards them.

Fun Fact: While most presidents take their oath of office by placing their hand over a bible, John Quincy Adams swore over a book of law.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Starting with George Washington, most presidents have taken their oath of office by placing their hands over the bible. Meanwhile, presidents including Theodore Roosevelt and John Quincy Adams did not. Instead, Adams swore over a book of the law to display his promise to the U.S. Constitution.

Religious clubs are allowed at public schools.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

While the school, itself, cannot promote religious ideologies to its students, student-led religious organizations are allowed to be run on school grounds. In this case, religious clubs are permitted at public schools since students can decide whether or not they want to join.