1st amendment quiz

Bill of Rights

the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, ratified in 1791 and guaranteeing such rights as the freedoms of speech, assembly, and worship.

Due Process Clause

“…nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;” protect citizens from actions taken by state government, counties, towns, and cities

Equal Protection Clause

“…nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.“ prohibits any state from passing a law that denies to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws

Fourteenth Amendment

Ensures citizenship for all people born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people, and guarantees equal protection under the law and due process to all citizens, preventing states from infringing on these rights

Wisconsin v. Yoder

The Court ruled that the Amish parents' fundamental right to free exercise of religion outweighed the state's interest in educating their children.

Civil liberties

freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution

Civil Rights

freedoms and rights that protect people from discrimination and ensure equal treatment

Abington School District v. Schempp

Public schools cannot sponsor Bible readings and recitations of the Lord's Prayer under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause

Employment Division v. Smith

The Court held that the First Amendment's protection of the "free exercise" of religion does not allow a person to use a religious motivation as a reason not to obey such generally applicable laws.

Selective incorporation

a Supreme Court practice of applying rights from the Bill of Rights to the states, one right at a time

Engel v. Vitale

The majority, via Justice Black, held that school-sponsored prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Lemon v. Kurtzman

established that if a law doesn't have a secular purpose, inhibits or advances religion, or results in excessive government entanglement with religion, then it violates the establishment clause and is unconstitutional.

Reynolds v. United States

The first time the Supreme Court addressed the meaning of free exercise of religion. The Court also expressed its view that civil society may legitimately regulate marriage, which it argued was the foundation of social relations.

Minersville School District v. Gobitis

Public schools may require their students to salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance over any religious objections

West Virginia State BOE v. Barnette

Students may not be required to salute the American flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance at public schools if it is contrary to their religious beliefs

Establishment Clause

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” prohibits the government from "establishing" a religion

Free Exercise Clause

“…nor prohibit the free exercise thereof.” protects citizens' right to practice their religion freely, but this right is not absolute and can be limited by government interests, such as public health and safety.