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Home > Legal Reference Library > Religion and the First Amendment
Lesson Plan
Legal Reference Library, Applying Rights & Liberties

Religion and the First Amendment

6-8
9-12
One class period
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Learning Objectives

  • Identify the religious protections of the First Amendment
  • Explain the meaning of the Establishment Clause
  • Explain the meaning of the Free Exercise Clause
  • Apply religious freedom clauses in different scenarios
  • Develop a persuasive argument based on an interpretation of the First Amendment

 

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Overview

The First Amendment includes a two-for-one deal in its protection of religious freedom. This mini-lesson explains the difference between the Establishment and the Free Exercise clauses. Students practice applying the clauses to scenarios and take on the role of judge to evaluate if the Establishment clause applies. 

How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court cases Minersville v. Gobitas (1940) or our game Do I Have a Right? For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.

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