Which of the following parts of the First Amendment is most closely associated with the phrase separation of church and state
the establishment clause
the free exercise clause
the freedom of the press
the freedom of speech
The phrase "separation of church and state" is most closely associated with the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
The part of the First Amendment that is most closely associated with the phrase "separation of church and state" is the Establishment Clause.
The part of the First Amendment that is most closely associated with the phrase "separation of church and state" is the establishment clause.
To arrive at this answer, you can review the text of the First Amendment itself, which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This line is commonly interpreted by courts as meaning that the government should neither establish a national religion nor promote or favor any particular religion over others. This principle of separating religious institutions from the government is often referred to as the "separation of church and state."
In contrast, the free exercise clause guarantees the right to practice one's religion freely, the freedom of the press protects freedom of the media, and the freedom of speech ensures the right to express oneself orally or in written form. While these clauses are also important parts of the First Amendment, they are not directly associated with the concept of separation of church and state as the establishment clause is.