On the face of it, freedom of religion seems to be a relatively easy concept to understand. In reality, it is fairly complex. Describe the establishment clause and the free exercise clause. Why has each been so controversial? What has the Supreme Court ultimately ruled regarding these two clauses?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: Students should define the establishment and free exercise clauses and explain that they are controversial because they can be interpreted in different ways. For example, some people argue that the free exercise clause guarantees a right to have public school prayer, while others point to the clause as a reason that public school prayer is unconstitutional. Students should discuss the tension between the accommodationists and separationists. They should note that the courts have ruled occasionally in favor of both the accommodationists and the separationists, and they should provide a few examples of each type of ruling.