Compare and contrast the original First Amendment that James Madison wrote with the U.S. Constitution’s version. Explain how the provisions of religious freedom would restrict the power of government differently. Madison’s original version: “The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext infringed...” Constitutional version: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...” (1 point) Responses Unlike the original version, in the constitutional version, Madison restricts the government’s power to pass or change laws that establish a national religion. Unlike the original version, in the constitutional version, Madison restricts the government’s power to pass or change laws that establish a national religion. Unlike the constitutional version, in the original version, Madison restricts the government power to pass or change laws at both the state and national level. Unlike the constitutional version, in the original version, Madison restricts the government power to pass or change laws at both the state and national level. Unlike the constitutional version, in the original version, Madison restricts the government power to pass or change laws that might restrict an individual’s thoughts outside organized religion. Unlike the constitutional version, in the original version, Madison restricts the government power to pass or change laws that might restrict an individual’s thoughts outside organized religion. Unlike the constitutional version, the original version protects the civil rights of Americans.
The correct response is:
Unlike the original version, in the constitutional version, Madison restricts the government’s power to pass or change laws that establish a national religion. Unlike the constitutional version, in the original version, Madison restricts the government power to pass or change laws at both the state and national level. Unlike the constitutional version, in the original version, Madison restricts the government power to pass or change laws that might restrict an individual’s thoughts outside organized religion.
The original version of the First Amendment that James Madison wrote and the version that appears in the U.S. Constitution have some similarities and differences. One significant contrast is in how they address the provision of religious freedom and its effect on restricting government power.
In Madison's original version, he explicitly states, "The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext infringed..." This version emphasizes the protection of individual civil rights and places restrictions on both state and national governments. It prohibits the establishment of a national religion and ensures that the rights of conscience for all individuals will not be infringed upon.
However, the constitutional version of the First Amendment reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." This version focuses more narrowly on the power of Congress and limits its ability to pass laws that establish a national religion or interfere with the free exercise of religion. While it still prohibits the establishment of a national religion, it does not mention the protection of civil rights or extend the restriction to state governments.
Therefore, the original version of the First Amendment, as written by James Madison, is more expansive in its scope and protects the civil rights of all Americans. It restricts the power of both state and national governments and ensures that religious beliefs, worship, and conscience are fully protected. In contrast, the constitutional version of the First Amendment, while still safeguarding religious freedom, only limits the power of Congress to establish a national religion or interfere with the free exercise of religion. It does not explicitly protect civil rights or apply to state governments.
To compare and contrast the original First Amendment written by James Madison with the U.S. Constitution's version, let's examine the provisions of religious freedom and how they restrict the power of the government differently.
James Madison's original version of the First Amendment states, "The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext infringed..."
In this original version, Madison emphasizes the protection of individuals' civil rights and religious freedom. He explicitly states that no individual's rights should be restricted based on their religious beliefs or worship. Furthermore, Madison prohibits the establishment of a national religion, ensuring that the government cannot favor or endorse any particular religious group. Additionally, he ensures that the rights of conscience, which include the freedom to think and believe outside of organized religion, are safeguarded.
On the other hand, the constitutional version of the First Amendment, as it is currently stated, reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
Compared to Madison's original version, the constitutional version focuses more on Congress's authority and actions. It explicitly limits the government's power to make laws that establish a religion, meaning that the government cannot officially endorse or promote any particular religion. This provision is commonly known as the "establishment clause." Additionally, the constitutional version protects the free exercise of religion, ensuring that individuals have the right to practice their chosen religion or to refrain from religious practices without government interference.
One significant difference between the two versions is the scope of restriction on government power. Madison's original version applies to both the national and state level, limiting the ability of both federal and state governments to pass or change laws that infringe upon religious beliefs and worship. However, the constitutional version specifically applies to Congress, the federal legislative body, leaving room for states to potentially pass laws that may impact religious freedom. Over time, through the incorporation of the First Amendment into the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, some restrictions on state laws regarding religious freedom have been established.
In summary, while both versions of the First Amendment address the protection of religious freedom, Madison's original version emphasizes the safeguarding of civil rights, restricts government power at both state and national levels, and protects an individual's thoughts outside of organized religion. The constitutional version, on the other hand, focuses on Congress and its ability to make laws regarding religion, ensuring the establishment of a national religion is prohibited and the free exercise of religion is protected.