Which of the following statements about the First Amendment’s religion clause are true?

Question

Check all of the boxes that apply.

The government cannot be run by a religious group.

The government cannot stop people from practicing their religion.

The government cannot make laws that religious organizations have to follow.

The government cannot create a national religion.

The government cannot use the word “God” in any official documents or other works.

Answer 1

The following statements about the First Amendment’s religion clause are true:

1. The government cannot be run by a religious group. (This is true in the sense that the Establishment Clause prohibits the government from favoring one religion over another or being governed by a religious authority.)

2. The government cannot stop people from practicing their religion. (This is true due to the Free Exercise Clause, which protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.)

3. The government cannot create a national religion. (This is true, as the Establishment Clause prevents the government from establishing an official religion.)

The other statements are not accurate:

• The government cannot make laws that religious organizations have to follow. (This statement is misleading; the government can impose laws that apply broadly, including laws that religious organizations must follow, as long as they do not exclusively target religious practices.)

• The government cannot use the word “God” in any official documents or other works. (This is false; the government can reference "God" in official contexts, though this can be subject to legal challenges based on the Establishment Clause.)

In summary, the true statements are the first three.