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Video

The Free Exercise Clause | BRI’s Homework Help Series

Grade: 7–12
Duration: 6 min
Topics: Religious Freedom
Published: Oct 12, 2021

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Founding Principles

Freedom of Religion

About this video

Why did the Founders believe that religious liberty was an inalienable right? In this Homework Help video, we explore the history behind the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and how the Supreme Court has interpreted it.

https://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/free-exercise-clause-viewing-guide

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PageBRI’s Homework Help Series Video Playlist

Short, classroom ready videos covering U.S. History, Government, and Civics topics.

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Educator ResourceFree Exercise Clause Viewing Guide

A viewing guide for our Free Exercise Clause Homework Help video.

Interior of a church featuring wooden pews, ornate ceilings, and a raised altar. Black and white photograph.

LessonWhat Is the Significance of the Free Exercise Clause?

One of America's most cherished freedoms is the free exercise of religion. In a nation where people of many faiths live side-by-side, the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause protects individuals from government interference in the practice of their faith. The government cannot target laws at specific religious practices or place undue burdens on its citizens' worship. This lesson explores the free exercise clause and the many questions that arise from its enforcement.

Text overlay reading "Primary Source Close Read: The Free Exercise Clause: Supreme Court Case Excerpts" with a visual background.

VideoSupreme Court Cases on the Free Exercise Clause | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

The Free Exercise Clause states: "Congress shall make no law...prohibiting the free exercise (of religion)," but how exactly can this be applied to everyday life, and where can it become complicated? In this Close Read, Josh and Tony dissect some of the most famous Supreme Court cases involving the Free Exercise Clause. What happens when an individual's religious beliefs conflict with employment expectations or state law?