Final answer:
The Establishment Clause in the First Amendment ensures that Congress cannot favor a state-sponsored religion, maintaining a separation between church and state. The Supreme Court interprets this clause to prevent government preference for religion or non-religion, promoting religious freedom. Additionally, the Free Exercise Clause protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Establishment Clause in the First Amendment
The Establishment Clause is a key provision in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution which ensures that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” This means that the government is prohibited from setting up or favoring a state-sponsored religion and must maintain a “separation” between church and state. This separation is intended to prevent the government from preferring one set of religious beliefs over another, or favoring religion over non-religion, ensuring religious freedom for all citizens.
The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in interpreting the Establishment Clause. Through various decisions, the Court has defined what constitutes “establishment” of religion and emphasized equality in the government’s approach to religion. Notably, while the government is not allowed to advance or support religion over irreligion, it can grant benefits such as tax-exempt status to religious institutions, provided all religions are treated equally.
Additionally, the First Amendment provides for the Free Exercise Clause, which prohibits Congress from making laws that restrict the free exercise of religion by individuals. Together, these clauses form the constitutional basis for America's commitment to religious liberty and the protection against governmental interference in religious affairs.