Which clause states that Congress may not prohibit the free exercise of religion?

Which clause states that Congress may not prohibit the free exercise of religion?

• A. Free exercise clause
• B. Equal protection clause
• C. Grandfather clause
• D. Exclusionary rule

Answer: (A)

Religious liberty from government interference. The Free Exercise Clause is the part of the First Amendment that says Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. This clause is the constitutional protection that keeps the government from banning or unduly restricting religious beliefs and practices, though it must be balanced with other laws in a neutral and generally applicable way. Today, through the Fourteenth Amendment, this protection also applies to state and local actions. The other options cover different ideas: equal protection deals with fair treatment under the law; the Grandfather clause relates to voting eligibility in historical contexts; and the exclusionary rule governs whether illegally obtained evidence can be used in court.

Religious liberty from government interference. The Free Exercise Clause is the part of the First Amendment that says Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. This clause is the constitutional protection that keeps the government from banning or unduly restricting religious beliefs and practices, though it must be balanced with other laws in a neutral and generally applicable way. Today, through the Fourteenth Amendment, this protection also applies to state and local actions. The other options cover different ideas: equal protection deals with fair treatment under the law; the Grandfather clause relates to voting eligibility in historical contexts; and the exclusionary rule governs whether illegally obtained evidence can be used in court.