1. Freedom of Religion AP US Govt. 4/7/17
Objective: To whom can you worship (or not worship) and when?
Using your pocket constitution: Highlight: Establishment Clause/Free Exercise Clause

2. Areas of Controversy
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3. I. Establishment Clause
(Engel v. Vitale, 1962)
“Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country. Amen.”
Definition:
Different philosophies
Accommodation:
(freedom OF religion)
Separation:
(freedom FROM religion)
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4. I. Establishment… Lemon v. Kurtzman, 1971-
Have a secular purpose
Not advance nor inhibit religion
Not foster excessive entanglement with religion
Engel v. Vitale, 1962 – no prayer
Abington v. Schempp, 1963 – no bible reading
Epperson v. Arkansas, 1968, can teach evolution
Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 2002, school vouchers
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5. II. Free Exercise Clause
(Freedom of worship is relative, not absolute)
Standard used by court-
Laws MAY NOT stifle a particular religion
Oregon v. Smith, 1990
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6. II. Free Exercise cont… Religious practices that have been permitted:
Religious practices that have been restricted:
Reynolds v. US, 1879: polygamy
US v. Lee, 1982, AmishSS taxes
Religious practices that have been permitted:
Jehovah Witness , 1943, Flag Salute
1972, Amishschool 8th grade
Lukumi Tribe, Santeria, 1993
Article 6 bans religious tests and oaths
-Article 6: So…why don’t we get more politicians who are not Christian OR for that matter, not religious?
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