AP Gov't Bill of Rights review

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects citizens' rights to practice their religion as they please without government interference.

Lemon Test

Determines if government funding to religious schools violates the Establishment Clause: must have secular purpose, neither advance nor inhibit religion, and avoid excessive government entanglement.

Equal Access Act (1984)

Prevents discrimination against student extracurricular activities based on religious content in public schools receiving federal assistance.

Prior Restraint

Government action that prohibits speech or other expression before it can take place, considered unconstitutional.

Libel

The publication of false and malicious statements that damage someone's reputation.

Slander

The act of making spoken false and malicious statements that damage someone's reputation.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which certain rights in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Affirmative Action

Policies designed to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups in areas like education and employment.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that abolished discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.