Religious Roots
What is an established church?
A church officially supported or favored by government
Who drafted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?
Thomas Jefferson
Which First Amendment clause prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion?
Establishment Clause
Which branch of government makes federal laws?
Legislative branch / Congress
Name three freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
Any three: religion, speech, press, assembly, petition
Which church was established in colonial Virginia?
Church of England
In what year did Virginia pass the Statute for Religious Freedom?
1786
Which First Amendment clause protects religious practice?
Free Exercise Clause
Which branch carries out federal laws?
Executive branch / President
Which amendment preserves jury trials in certain federal civil cases?
Seventh Amendment
What could religious dissenters in colonial Virginia be required to financially support?
The established church, including its clergy or operations
What type of government financial support did Jefferson's statute oppose?
Compulsory taxes supporting religion
Which article of the Constitution prohibits religious tests for federal office?
Article VI
Which branch interprets federal laws and decides cases under them?
Judicial branch / Federal courts
Which amendment restricts the quartering of soldiers in private homes?
Third Amendment
What does disestablishment mean in the context of religious freedom?
Ending government establishment or official support of a church
What was the name of Madison's 1785 argument against government-funded religion?
Memorial and Remonstrance
Who used the phrase "wall of separation" in an 1802 letter?
Thomas Jefferson
What are powers specifically listed in the Constitution called?
Enumerated powers
Which amendment establishes that listing certain rights does not deny other rights retained by the people?
Ninth Amendment
Why did religious dissenters object to government-established churches?
They opposed compulsory religious support, unequal treatment, and government interference with conscience
According to Madison, what was one danger of government involvement in religion?
Government could favor or pressure religious groups, or make religion dependent on political power
How did Washington and Adams generally differ from Jefferson and Madison in their attitudes toward public religious language?
Washington and Adams were generally more comfortable using religious language in public leadership
Which constitutional clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers?
Necessary and Proper Clause
Which amendment protects against compelled self-incrimination and double jeopardy?
Fifth Amendment