Lesson 28: How Does the First Amendment Affect the Establishment and Free Exercise of Religion?
What is meant by an established religion? (Video)
Meaning of "established religion"; history of established religions in Europe, the British colonies, and the newly formed states; alternative policies regarding established religions; religious diversity in American colonies; Founder's reasons for rejection of establishment of a national religion.
Student Questions: Unit 5, Lesson 28, Sections 1-6 (pdf download)
How does the establishment clause work in practice? (Video)
The Supreme Court's decisions on establishment issues; Ten Commandments cases; established religions in the states; religious pluralism; ending of establishment in the states; current intertwining of government and religion.
What is the extent of the rights protected by the free exercise clause? (Video)
Rights protected by the free exercise clause; tensions between the establishment and free exercise clauses.
How is the right of free exercise balanced against other interests of society? (Video)
Balancing the right to free exercise of religion against other interests of society; laws of general applicability; Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
How have the courts handled cases involving public prayer? (Video)
The Supreme Court and public prayer; Town of Greece v. Galloway (2014).
What has been the importance of freedom of religion in the United States? (Video)
Importance of freedom of religion in the United States.
Freedom of Religion: Part 1 (Video)
In this video from Thinkwell, Professor Rosenberg explains freedom of religion.
Freedom of Religion: Part 2 (Video)
Professor Rosenberg continues his explanation of freedom of religion in part two of this video series from Thinkwell.
The History of the Establishment Clause (Video)
In this lecture, professor Justin Wert explains the importance of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
The Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. Hialeah (1993) (Audio)
The oral argument of the case.
The Establishment Clause (Audio)
An audio podcast about the Establishment Clause by the National Constitution Center.
