Civil Liberties: Freedom of Religion

Question 1

Although a democracy is based on freedom of expression, most people recognize the need to allow the government to exercise control over such things as false and misleading advertisements or advertisements of illegal products. Is the banning of cigarette advertising on television consistent with these necessities? Explain.

Answer 1

Students may feel that it seems inconsistent, since smoking cigarettes is not against the law. However, it is consistent in the sense that those advertisements are misleading, because they depict cigarette smoking as glamorous or desirable. A major concern of the government is the health and safety of citizens, so perhaps it is consistent for government to regulate these advertisements. Since cigarette smoking causes health problems, it makes sense that the advertisements would be banned to help reduce the public risks.

Question 2

Church related schools are defined as:

a. private
b. public
c. parochial
d. parish

Answer 2

c. parochial

Question 3

You are a Supreme Court justice and a new case regarding use of State aid to a private school has been brought to the Court. List three questions you will ask about the case.

Answer 3

Possible questions: For what exact purpose is the money being used? Is it easy to determine the use? To what extent does the government have to get involved? Does the money foster or inhibit religious belief?

Question 4

What might be the consequences of making the Free Exercise Clause absolute?

Answer 4

The consequences could be disastrous because any person could then commit any crime and claim that it was a religious practice. It would allow people to make their own rules and override the rules of government and society.

Question 5

True or False

The U.S. Supreme Court specifically forbids public school students to be released from school for any religious activities.

Answer 5

false

Question 6

This founding father talked about the need for a separation between church and state.

a. Washington
b. Jefferson
c. Franklin
d. Madison

Answer 6

b. Jefferson

Question 7

What is the Free Exercise Clause?

a. every person has the right to believe in any religion they want
b. every person must follow a monotheistic religion
c. every person must follow a polytheistic religion
d. every person must practice some type of religion

Answer 7

a. every person has the right to believe in any religion they want

Question 8

True or False

In the 1962 case of Engel v. Vitale the U.S. Supreme Court approved a state sponsored non-denomination prayer, created by the New York Board of Regents.

Answer 8

false

Question 9

The Free Exercise Clause gives people the right to

a. assemble and express their views on public matters.
b. hold meetings and parades on public streets without permits.
c. believe whatever they choose to believe in matters of religion.
d. exercise anywhere they choose.

Answer 9

c. believe whatever they choose to believe in matters of religion.

Question 10

True or False

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the use of public school facilities for voluntary student created religious groups that were open to all students.

Answer 10

true

Question 11

To determine whether or not to provide public aid to parochial schools, local and federal courts use the Lemon test, which adheres to three standards including all of the following except

a. Funds must be used for secular purposes only.
b. The primary effect must neither inhibit nor advance religion.
c. Student acceptance to and attendance of the school must not be determined by religious beliefs.
d. The government must avoid any excessive entanglement.

Answer 11

c. Student acceptance to and attendance of the school must not be determined by religious beliefs.

Question 12

Private schools that are church-related are known as ____ schools.

Answer 12

parochial

Question 13

True or False

The U.S. Supreme Court held that states could not pass local laws to keep clerics (religious leaders) from holding public office.

Answer 13

true

Question 14

The distinction the Court has made between prayer in Congress or in State legislatures, and prayer in public schools, is based largely on

a. the religion of those being led in prayer.
b. the doctrine expressed in the prayer.
c. whether the prayer in any way threatens the public safety.
d. whether the prayer advances religion.

Answer 14

d. whether the prayer advances religion.

Question 15

The ____ sets up the separation between church and state.

Answer 15

Establishment Cause

Question 16

Government has encouraged religion in the United States in all of the following ways EXCEPT

a. by allowing the establishment of a national religion.
b. by exempting church property from taxes.
c. by installing a chaplain in the navy.
d. by opening each session of Congress with a prayer.

Answer 16

a. by allowing the establishment of a national religion.

Question 17

Free Exercise Clause

Answer 17

protects the right to hold one’s own religious beliefs

Question 18

True or False

The U.S. Supreme Court has put limitations on the free exercise of religion in the United States.

Answer 18

true

Question 19

The Supreme Court has held that the key factor in determining whether or not released time programs are constitutional is

a. what students do during those programs.
b. when the programs are held.
c. where those programs are held.
d. who attends the programs.

Answer 19

c. where those programs are held.