Which of the following correctly explains the purpose of the establishment clause of the First Amendment?
A. the clause was designed to increase an individual's freedom of expression.
B. the clause was designed to prevent the government from interfering with an individual's religious belief.
C. the clause was designed to protect the publication of dissenting viewpoints.
D. the clause was designed to prevent the government from creating an official government religion.
D. the clause was designed to prevent the government from creating an official government religion.
D. the clause was designed to prevent the government from creating an official government religion.
The correct answer is option D: the clause was designed to prevent the government from creating an official government religion.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options and analyze them one by one:
Option A suggests that the establishment clause was designed to increase an individual's freedom of expression. While the First Amendment does protect freedom of expression, this particular clause specifically focuses on religious matters, not expression in general.
Option B correctly states that the establishment clause was designed to prevent the government from interfering with an individual's religious belief. However, it does not fully capture the main purpose of the establishment clause. This clause not only protects religious belief but also ensures that the government does not establish or endorse any particular religion.
Option C suggests that the establishment clause was designed to protect the publication of dissenting viewpoints. While freedom of the press is a separate protection guaranteed by the First Amendment, the establishment clause is specifically concerned with religion and preventing government favoritism towards any specific faith.
Option D is the most accurate. The establishment clause of the First Amendment was indeed designed to prevent the government from creating an official government religion. This clause ensures that the US Government remains neutral when it comes to matters of religion, and it protects citizens from religious coercion or preference by the government.
Therefore, option D correctly explains the purpose of the establishment clause of the First Amendment.