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Lesson 18: How does the Constitution protect your right to freedom of religion?

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Lesson Purpose

The Founders thought the right to freedom of religion was so important that they placed it at the beginning of the Bill of Rights. In this lesson, you will learn why the Founders thought this freedom was so important. You will learn how the Constitution protects religious freedom. You will also study situations in which religious freedom may be limited when it conflicts with other important rights and interests.

Lesson Objectives

When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to
  • explain the importance of freedom of religion and
  • explain when it might be reasonable to limit this freedom.

Lesson Terms

establishment clause
The part of the First Amendment that says the government cannot set up an official religion.
free exercise clause
freedom of belief or conscience
tolerant

Lesson Biographies

Washington, George (1732-1799 CE)
George Washington was born in Virginia in 1732. He grew up there on several plantations along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. He was not particularly well educated, but did learn surveying. In 1753, he began his service to the country, which was to continue throughout his life, despite his desire to live a more private existence. Washington's efforts as commander of the Continental Army are well known. After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, Washington returned to his home, Mount Vernon. Although he did not initially want to attend the Philadelphia Convention, his friends convinced him that his presence was necessary. He was elected president of the convention but spoke little. His presence and approval, however, were important. Nearly everyone assumed that Washington would be the first president of the United States, which, of course, he was, serving from 1789-1797.
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826 CE)
Madison, James (1751-1836 CE)
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