What First Amendment clause prohibits establishing an official religion?

What First Amendment clause prohibits establishing an official religion?

• A. Establishment Clause
• B. Free Exercise Clause
• C. Lemon Test
• D. Due Process Clause

Answer: (A)

The Establishment Clause bars the government from establishing an official religion or endorsing one faith over others. This part of the First Amendment says that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, which has been understood to require the government to stay neutral on religious matters and not set up or fund a state church. The Free Exercise Clause, in contrast, protects individuals’ rights to practice their religion without government interference, but it does not prohibit the government from avoiding establishing a religion. The Lemon Test is a judicial standard used to evaluate whether government actions relating to religion violate the Establishment Clause, not the clause itself. The Due Process Clause deals with fair procedures and fundamental rights in legal matters, not the establishment of religion. Therefore, the clause that prohibits establishing an official religion is the Establishment Clause.