📚 Topic Summary
The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment protects individuals' right to practice their religion freely. However, this right is not absolute. The government can sometimes limit religious practices if there's a compelling government interest, and the restriction is narrowly tailored. This means the government needs a very good reason, and the restriction must be the least restrictive way to achieve that goal. For example, religious practices that violate criminal laws or endanger public safety can be restricted.
The Supreme Court has developed different tests to determine when the government can permissibly restrict religious freedom. These tests balance individual religious freedom with the government's need to maintain order and protect its citizens. Understanding these limitations is crucial to understanding the full scope of religious freedom in the United States.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
- Term: Free Exercise Clause
- Term: Compelling Government Interest
- Term: Narrowly Tailored
- Term: Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)
- Term: Establishment Clause
- Definition: The standard that a law must be specifically designed to achieve its objective with minimal impact on protected rights.
- Definition: Part of the First Amendment that prevents the government from establishing a religion.
- Definition: Part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' right to practice their religion.
- Definition: A legal principle that justifies government action, often related to public safety or order.
- Definition: A federal law enacted in 1993 aimed at protecting religious freedom; it requires the government to show a compelling interest before substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion.
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
The Free Exercise Clause protects religious _____, but this protection is not _____. The government can restrict religious practices if it has a _____ government interest and the restriction is _____ tailored. The _____ aims to protect religious freedom by requiring a compelling interest for government actions that burden religious exercise.
Word Bank: absolute, narrowly, practices, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, compelling
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Consider a situation where a religious group uses illegal drugs as part of their religious ceremonies. How should the courts balance the group's religious freedom with the government's interest in preventing drug use and maintaining public safety?
