Question

What is the purpose of the establishment clause?

Answer 1

Answer/Explanation:

The Establishment clause prohibits the government from "establishing" a religion. The precise definition of "establishment" is unclear. Historically, it meant prohibiting state-sponsored churches, such as the Church of England.

The establishment clause allows the government to favor a religion and the free exercise clause allows people to express their religion. The establishment clause stops the government from favoring a religion and the free exercise clause stops people from expressing their religious beliefs.

                            Establishment clause

• -Forbids the government from establishing an official religion.
• -Prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another.
• -Prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion, or non-religion over religion.