Government and politics concepts · AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History
Establishment clause
Establishment clause: The First Amendment clause that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring religion.
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What it means
The establishment clause is often described as creating a separation between church and state. Courts have applied it to issues such as prayer in public schools and government funding for religious institutions.
In Engel v. Vitale (1962), the Supreme Court ruled that school-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the establishment clause, even if participation is voluntary.
Example
A public school leading students in an official daily prayer would raise an establishment clause issue.
On the exam
Know the difference between the establishment clause and the free exercise clause; Engel v. Vitale is a required case.
Lessons and practice questions
Related terms
- Free exercise clauseThe First Amendment clause that protects individuals' right to practice their religion without government interference.
- Selective incorporationThe process by which the Supreme Court has applied most Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause.