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Lesson

First Amendment Principles and Jefferson’s “Wall”

Grade
9–12
Published
Nov 5, 2020
Gravestone of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, in a shaded cemetery.
How has the Supreme Court's interpretation of the First Amendment changed in light of the Fourteenth Amendment? Analyze Thomas Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, evaluate the Supreme Court's application of Jefferson's metaphor about the wall of separation between church and state, and assess how much weight should be given to Jefferson's letter in determining the constitutionality of state action with respect to religion.

Founding Principles

Freedom of Religion, Liberty

Learning objectives

  • Understand how the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the First Amendment changed in light of the Fourteenth Amendment.
  • Analyze Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptist Association.
  • Evaluate the Supreme Court’s application of Jefferson’s metaphor.
  • Assess how much weight should be given to Jefferson’s letter in determining the constitutionality of state action with respect to religion.

Materials

  • Essay: First Amendment Principles and Jefferson’s “Wall”
  • Handout A: Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to the Danbury Baptist Association
  • Handout B: Neither Snow Nor Rain (optional)

Lesson Components

ActivityEssay: First Amendment Principles and Jefferson’s “Wall”
ActivityHandout A: Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to the Danbury Baptist Association
ActivityHandout B: Neither Snow Nor Rain
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