Government and politics concepts · AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History
Free exercise clause
Free exercise clause: The First Amendment clause that protects individuals' right to practice their religion without government interference.
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What it means
The free exercise clause protects religious belief absolutely and religious practice in many circumstances, though the government can limit some practices. Cases often ask whether a law that burdens religious practice is justified.
In Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), the Court ruled that Amish families could not be required to send their children to school beyond eighth grade because it violated their free exercise rights.
Example
A state law forcing all students to attend school until 16, applied to a religious community that ends formal schooling earlier, raises a free exercise issue.
On the exam
Wisconsin v. Yoder is a required case. Questions often test whether you can tell which religion clause applies.
Lessons and practice questions
Related terms
- Establishment clauseThe First Amendment clause that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring religion.
- 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.