127 Questions
Which Amendment prohibits the enactment of any law respecting an establishment of religion?
First Amendment
The state officials may compose an official state prayer and require that it be recited in the public schools of the State.
False
What was the purpose of the 'Statement on Moral and Spiritual Training in the Schools'?
To provide a moral and spiritual training in the schools
The New York Court of Appeals sustained an order of the lower state courts which had upheld the power of New York to use the Regents' prayer as a part of the daily procedures of its public schools so long as the schools did not compel any pupil to join in the prayer over his or his ____________________ objection.
parents'
Match the following entities with their roles:
State Board of Regents = A governmental agency created by the State Constitution New York Legislature = Granted broad supervisory, executive, and legislative powers over the State's public school system School District = Adopted the daily procedure of reciting the Regents' prayer Parents = Challenged the constitutionality of the state law and the School District's regulation
What was the reason behind the parents' challenge to the state law and the School District's regulation?
The prayer was contrary to the beliefs, religions, or religious practices of both themselves and their children
The State of New York has adopted a practice wholly consistent with the Establishment Clause.
False
What was the purpose of the daily procedure of reciting the Regents' prayer?
To provide a moral and spiritual training in the schools
The State of New York has adopted a practice wholly inconsistent with the ____________________ Clause.
Establishment
What is the number of the Amendment that makes the First Amendment applicable to the States?
14th Amendment
What was the outcome of the opposition to the established Episcopal Church in Virginia?
The minority religious groups gained strength
The Constitution was intended to give the government control over religious practices.
False
What is the significance of the First Amendment in relation to prayer?
The First Amendment guarantees that the government will not control, support, or influence the kinds of prayer the American people can say.
The Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty was enacted in _______.
1785-1786
Match the following individuals with their roles in the fight against established religion:
James Madison = Led the opposition to the established Church in Virginia Thomas Jefferson = Opposed all religious establishments by law on grounds of principle Presbyterians = A minority religious group that gained strength in Virginia Lutherans = A minority religious group that gained strength in Virginia
What was the main concern of the people who opposed the establishment of religion by law?
The government's power to impose a particular prayer
The New York state prayer program did not officially establish religious beliefs.
False
What is the significance of the Fourteenth Amendment in relation to the Establishment Clause?
The Fourteenth Amendment reinforces the provisions of the Establishment Clause, making it operative against the States.
The respondents' argument that the Regents' prayer is 'nondenominational' is not enough to free it from the limitations of the _______ Clause.
Establishment
What is the main purpose of the First Amendment's prohibition against governmental establishment of religion?
To guarantee that the people's religions must not be subjected to government pressure
What is the nature of the prayer prescribed in the Regents' prayer?
Religious
The petitioners argue that the Regents' prayer is constitutional because it is based on the country's spiritual heritage.
False
What was one of the reasons that caused many of the early colonists to leave England and seek religious freedom in America?
The practice of establishing governmentally composed prayers for religious services
The Book of Common Prayer was created under ___________________ direction and approved by Acts of Parliament in 1548 and 1549.
governmental
How many of the thirteen former colonies had established churches?
8
The United States Supreme Court has never recognized the religious nature of prayer.
False
Match the following with the correct description:
Establishment Clause = constitutional prohibition against laws respecting an establishment of religion Book of Common Prayer = a prayer book created under governmental direction and approved by Acts of Parliament Regents' Prayer = a prayer prescribed by the New York State Board of Regents for daily classroom invocation
What is the main argument of the petitioners against the use of the Regents' prayer in public schools?
The State's use of the Regents' prayer in its public school system breaches the constitutional wall of separation between Church and State
What was the main argument of the groups challenging the prayer in the New York Court of Appeals?
It was a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment
The petitioners contend that the state laws requiring or permitting use of the Regents' prayer must be struck down as a violation of the ___________________ Clause.
Establishment
The New York Court of Appeals upheld the voluntariness of the prayer in public schools.
False
What was the significance of the Court's decision in this case?
The Court's decision emphasized the importance of separating church and state, and extended the general antipathy towards prayer in schools.
The trial court found that the nature of the prayer was not religious.
False
The prayer was intended to be led by a ____________________ in the school.
teacher
Match the following groups with their stance on the prayer in public schools:
Families and institutions dedicated to the Jewish faith = Against the prayer State governors in the U.S. = For the prayer National Jewish organizations = Against the prayer
What was one of the concerns of Justice Black regarding the prayer?
Some religions do not recognize a God
The Court's decision would have been different if the case had involved an educational institution with adult students.
True
What was the outcome of the Court's decision regarding prayer in schools?
The Court's general antipathy towards prayer in schools was extended, striking down clergy-led prayers at graduation ceremonies, student-led prayers at football games, and time set aside during the school day for prayer or meditation.
What was the main reason behind the opposition to the established Episcopal Church in Virginia?
To prevent persecution of minority religions
The Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty was enacted in 1779.
True
What was the concern of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, regarding the relationship between church and state?
He believed that separation of church and state was necessary to protect the church from the danger of destruction that flowed from control by civil authorities.
The English Act of Uniformity in 1559, which was repealed during the reign of Mary, was revived upon the accession of ____________________.
Elizabeth
Match the following historical figures with their contributions to the fight against established religion:
James Madison = Wrote the Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments Roger Williams = Founded Rhode Island and advocated for separation of church and state John Bunyan = Wrote about his trial and imprisonment for his religious beliefs Constantine = Persecuted Christians during his reign as Emperor
What was the purpose of the Act for the Uniformity of Service and Administration of Sacraments throughout the Realm?
To ensure the use of common prayer and administration of sacraments in the Church of England
The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the Regents' prayer was unconstitutional.
False
What was the main concern of James Madison in his Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments?
He believed that the proposed establishment of religion was a departure from the generous policy of offering asylum to the persecuted and oppressed, and was a signal of persecution.
The English Act of Uniformity in 1559 was enacted during the reign of ____________________.
Edward VI
What is the main concern of the regulations adopted by New York City's Board of Education in connection with its released time program?
To protect nonparticipants from discrimination
The Book of Common Prayer was completely suppressed in 1645 as a result of the successful Puritan Revolution.
True
What is the purpose of the regulations adopted by New York City's Board of Education in connection with its released time program?
To ensure that neither teachers nor any other school authority may comment on participation or nonparticipation in the exercise.
The first major revision of the Book of Common Prayer was made in _______________, during the reign of Edward VI.
1552
Match the following monarchs with their actions related to the Book of Common Prayer:
Edward VI = Made significant changes to the Book Mary = Abolished the Book of Common Prayer Elizabeth = Restored the Book with important alterations Charles II = Reintroduced the Book with alterations James I = Made significant changes to the Book
The Puritans successfully modified the Book of Common Prayer to their liking.
False
What was the consequence for the 2,000 Puritan ministers who refused to accept the altered Book of Common Prayer in 1660?
They vacated their benefices.
The Regents' prayer exercise allows nonparticipants to _______________________ from the exercise if they so desire.
be excused entirely
What was the result of the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in Scotland in 1637?
It met with a bitter and barbarous opposition
The Church of England was officially established in all 13 American colonies.
False
What was the significance of the law enacted in Virginia in 1786?
It established religious freedom.
The Church of England was the established church of at least five colonies, including ____________________.
Maryland
Match the following colonies with their established churches:
Maryland = Virginia Church of England = Church of England
Catholics were treated equally in all situations in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
False
What was the effect of attempts to enforce laws that were deemed invalid and dangerous, according to James Madison?
It would weaken the laws in general and slacken the bands of Society.
What was the result of the establishment of Christianity in the view of James Madison?
It led to pride and indolence in the Clergy and ignorance and servility in the laity
The Church of England received substantial support from the states of ____________________ and ____________________.
New York and New Jersey
What is the primary purpose of the Establishment Clause?
To prevent the union of government and religion, which tends to destroy government and degrade religion
The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause overlap in all instances.
False
What is the result of governmentally established religion, according to history?
Hatred, disrespect, and even contempt of those who hold contrary beliefs
The Founders of the Constitution believed that religion is too __________, too sacred, too holy, to permit its 'unhallowed perversion' by a civil magistrate.
personal
What is the consequence of governmentally established religions, according to the Founders?
Persecution of religious minorities
The Founders of the Constitution did not intend to separate church and state.
False
What is the historical fact that the Founders were aware of regarding governmentally established religions?
Governmentally established religions and religious persecutions go hand in hand.
The Founders brought into being our Nation, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights, with its prohibition against any governmental establishment of __________.
religion
Match the following clauses with their purposes:
Establishment Clause = To prevent the union of government and religion Free Exercise Clause = To prevent governmental encroachment upon religious freedom
According to Roger Williams, what was not the business or competence of a civil magistrate?
To interfere in religious matters
The State of New York's regulation requiring the recitation of a prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.
True
What was the prayer that was recited daily in New York public schools?
Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country.
The Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty was enacted in ___________.
1786
Match the following individuals with their roles:
Roger Williams = Opponent of established religion Justice Douglas = Concurring Justice in the Supreme Court case Madison = Author of the Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments
What was the main concern of the people who opposed the establishment of religion by law?
To promote religious freedom
The Supreme Court ruling in this case applied only to the state of New York.
False
What was the significance of the First Amendment in relation to prayer?
The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of religion, including sponsored prayer in public schools.
The respondents' argument that the Regents' prayer is 'nondenominational' is not enough to free it from the limitations of the ___________ Clause.
Establishment
What was the outcome of the opposition to the established Episcopal Church in Virginia?
The Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty was enacted
What was the significance of the Act of May 18, 1908, in relation to the national motto?
It made the use of the motto on coins mandatory.
The national motto "In God We Trust" was first introduced in the Star-Spangled Banner.
True
What was the significance of the Joint Resolution of July 30, 1956?
It declared the national motto to be "In God We Trust".
The Act of July 11, 1955, directed the use of the motto on all ______ and coins.
currency
Match the following dates with their corresponding events:
May 18, 1908 = Made the use of the motto on coins mandatory July 11, 1955 = Directed the use of the motto on all currency and coins July 30, 1956 = Declared the national motto to be "In God We Trust"
According to the passage, what was the main reason behind the establishment of the United States?
To find a place where people could pray freely
The passage argues that the First Amendment was written to destroy religion and prayer.
False
What is the main function of the government according to the passage?
To stay out of the business of writing or sanctioning official prayers and leave that purely religious function to the people themselves.
The passage quotes James Madison, the author of the _______________________ Amendment.
First
What was the outcome of the Court of Appeals of New York's decision?
The judgment was reversed
The passage suggests that the Regents' prayer is a significant threat to religious freedom.
True
The passage mentions that the government's endorsement of the Regents' prayer seems relatively _______________________ when compared to the governmental encroachments upon religion 200 years ago.
insignificant
Match the following entities with their roles:
State governments = To establish official state prayers The First Amendment = To protect religious freedom The people = To choose their own religious guidance James Madison = Author of the Constitution
What was the purpose of the trial court's opinion?
To set up procedures to protect those who objected to reciting the prayer.
The passage suggests that the government's role is to establish a single state religion.
False
What is the purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance?
To recognize the existence of a Supreme Being
The Hospital Survey and Construction Act of 1946 specifically made money available to public hospitals only.
False
What is the phrase added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954?
one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
The Chaplains of the Senate and of the House receive an annual salary of $ __________ .
8,810
Match the following entities with their roles:
West Point Cadets = Required to attend chapel each Sunday Naval Academy = Required to attend chapel each Sunday Air Force Academy = Required to attend chapel each Sunday (except First Classmen)
What is the significance of the phrase "In God We Trust"?
It recognizes the existence of a Supreme Being
The New York Legislature follows a different procedure than the federal legislature.
False
What is the main concern of the petitioners in the case?
The petitioners are concerned that the use of the Regents' prayer in public schools violates the First Amendment's prohibition on government establishment of religion.
The Senate and House Rules provide that each calendar day's session shall open with ____________________.
prayer
What is the issue presented in the case regarding the New York prayer?
Whether the school facilities are used to say the prayer
The McCollum case involved the use of public school facilities for religious education of students.
True
What is the purpose of the New York prayer?
A supplication, a prayer
The teacher who leads in prayer is on the public ____________________, and the time she takes seems minuscule.
payroll
Match the following entities with their roles:
Reverend Frederick B. Harris = Chaplain of the Senate Reverend Bernard Braskamp = Chaplain of the House Guest chaplains = Of various denominations
The New York prayer is of a character that involves an element of proselytizing.
False
What is the outcome of the financier a religious exercise by the government?
It inserts a divisive influence into our communities
What is the significance of the prayer in the courtroom?
It is a prayer in which the judges are free to join
The New York Court said that the prayer given does not conform to all of the tenets of the ____________________ and Unitarian groups.
Jewish
The New York prayer program officially establishes religious beliefs.
False
What is the main philosophy of the First Amendment regarding religion?
Government should be neutral in matters of religion
The Everson case allowed taxpayers' money to be used to pay for the construction of new churches.
False
What is the result of public funds being used to satisfy the needs of children in parochial schools?
It brings the struggle of sect against sect for the larger share or for any.
The First Amendment commands government to have no interest in _______________ or ritual.
theology
Match the following individuals with their roles:
Madison = Author of the Remonstrance Jefferson = Author of the Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty Rutledge = Dissenting Justice in the Everson case
The Constitution was intended to give the government control over religious practices.
False
What is the purpose of the First Amendment's prohibition against governmental establishment of religion?
To protect religious freedom
What is the result of government interference in matters spiritual?
It will be a divisive force.
The First Amendment leaves the government in a position not of hostility to religion, but of _______________.
neutrality
What is the effect of public funds being used to support religious institutions?
It leads to the struggle of sect against sect
Study Notes
The Establishment Clause and Prayer in Public Schools
- The New York State Board of Regents composed a voluntary prayer to "Almighty God" for use in public schools, which was challenged by families and Jewish organizations as a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
- The New York Court of Appeals rejected the challenge, but the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating that the prayer was an unconstitutional establishment of religion.
- The Court's decision was based on the principle of separating church and state, and the recognition that the government cannot compose or promote a particular prayer or religious activity, even if it is voluntary.
Historical Context of the Establishment Clause
- The Establishment Clause was added to the Constitution to prevent the government from establishing a national religion or favoring one religion over another.
- The clause was influenced by the experiences of early American colonists who fled England to escape the government's control over the Church of England.
- The Founding Fathers, including James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, were instrumental in drafting the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed religious freedom and prohibited the establishment of a national religion.
Impact of the Decision
- The Supreme Court's decision in this case established a precedent for the separation of church and state in public schools.
- The ruling prohibited government-composed prayers in public schools, even if they were voluntary, and struck a balance between the free exercise of religion and the prohibition on government-established religion.
Key Players and Quotes
- Justice Hugo Black wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing the importance of separating church and state and the dangers of government-established religion.
- James Madison, a key drafter of the First Amendment, was quoted in the decision, warning against the dangers of government-established religion and the erosion of individual liberties.### The Supreme Court Case
- The case involves the provision of the New York State Constitution that authorized the recitation of a prayer at the beginning of each school day
- The prayer was "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country"
- The prayer was led by a teacher, but students were not compelled to participate and could be excused from the room
Background and Context
- The prayer was a voluntary exercise and did not involve indoctrination or religious education
- The case did not involve the establishment of a religion or any element of coercion
- Similar prayers are recited in other government institutions, such as the Supreme Court and Congress
Historical Context
- The case is set against the backdrop of the history of religious freedom in the United States
- The early American colonies had established churches, but later moved towards religious freedom and separation of church and state
- Key figures such as Roger Williams and James Madison played important roles in shaping the concept of religious freedom in the United States
Historical Figures
- Roger Williams: founder of Rhode Island and advocate for separation of church and state
- James Madison: author of the Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments, which argued against established churches and for religious freedom
Constitutional Issues
- The case raises questions about the constitutionality of government-sponsored religious exercises
- The Court must consider whether the New York prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment
- The case has implications for the separation of church and state in the United States### The First Amendment and the Separation of Church and State
- The First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the separation of church and state, prohibiting government from establishing a religion or interfering with religious freedom.
- The Amendment is based on the philosophy that government should be neutral in religious matters, not hostile or supportive, to avoid divisiveness and promote religious freedom.
Government Financing of Religious Exercises
- Financing religious exercises, such as prayer in public schools, is unconstitutional as it inserts a divisive influence into communities.
- The New York Court found that a prayer led by a public school teacher does not conform to the tenets of all religious groups, including Jewish, Unitarian, and Ethical Culture groups.
- One of the petitioners in the case is an agnostic, highlighting the importance of government neutrality in religious matters.
Everson v. Board of Education and the Dangers of Government Aid to Religion
- The Everson case allowed taxpayers' money to be used to pay for bus fares of parochial school pupils, setting a precedent for government aid to religion.
- This decision has led to a slippery slope, where public funds could be used to satisfy other needs of children in parochial schools, such as lunches, books, and tuition.
- Justice Rutledge's dissenting opinion warned that government intervention in religion would lead to strife and destroy cherished liberty.
Historical Examples of Government Aid to Religion
- Many examples of government aid to religion exist, including chaplains in Congress and the armed services, compulsory chapel at military academies, and the use of the Bible for oaths.
- The President issues religious proclamations, and religious services are held in federal hospitals and prisons.
- Public funds have been used to support denominational schools, and religious organizations are exempt from federal income tax.
The Importance of Neutrality in Government
- The philosophy of the First Amendment is that government should be neutral in religious matters, avoiding divisiveness and promoting religious freedom.
- Government neutrality is essential to protect the cherished liberty of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
This quiz is about the role of religion in American education, specifically the rights of students and teachers in public schools. It references a landmark Supreme Court case, McCollum v. Board of Education.
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