Friday, October 11, 2013

Qs Ch6 Sec 1


1)   What are the two clauses that guarantee freedom of religion?  Explain each clause.
a.     The Establishment Clause
                                               i.     Essentially declares that Congress can’t make any law favoring one religion over another, or even really acknowledge them as valid
b.     The Free Exercise Clause
                                               i.     Says that Congress cannot prohibit/dictate the religion of its citizens
2)   How has religion continued to be a part of public life?  Give three examples.
a.     Many (including schools) still say the Pledge of Allegiance, which contains a reference/oath to God
b.     Senators and other public officials often swear on God/the Bible ect.
c.      On the US currency, the motto “In God We Trust” is still listed on most bills and coins
3)   What was Everson vs. the Board of Education about?  What was the outcome?
a.     The New Jersey school system/state allowed students to be bused to religious (parochial) on state-funded buses
b.     The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state of New Jersey allowing the states to use certain resources to help students attending religious schools
4)   Discuss two cases in which education and religion have come into conflict.
a.     Religious schools have received free lunch with federal aid. Caused conflict by opening the debate to whether or not to fund because it is in a religious school and helping promote one religion.
b.     Public schools cannot make a moment for prayer, they can now only do a moment of silence because it was seen as advocating one type of religion.
5)   List three tests the Supreme Court uses to determine if government aid to parochial education is constitutional.
a.     Have a clear secular, non-religious purpose
b.     Main effect neither advance nor inhibit religion
c.      Must avoid excessive government entanglement with religion
6)   How did the principle the Supreme Court established in Reynolds vs. United States limit free exercise of religion? 
a.     The Reynolds vs. US case was about the right of certain religions to practice polygamy.
b.     The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the US, thereby establishing certain regulations on religious practice. Mainly it made the law clear that religious practices had to stay within the bounds of American law.

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