hich of the following parts of the First Amendment is most closely associated with the phrase “separation of church and state”?(1 point)

Responses

the freedom of the press
the freedom of the press

the freedom of speech
the freedom of speech

the establishment clause
the establishment clause

the free exercise clause

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 determine which part of the First Amendment is most closely associated with the phrase "separation of church and state," we need to understand the context and purpose of the First Amendment.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects several fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

The phrase "separation of church and state" originated from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. This phrase has since been interpreted by the Supreme Court as a guiding principle to ensure that the government does not establish or give preference to any particular religion.

Among the given options, the part of the First Amendment most closely associated with the phrase "separation of church and state" is the establishment clause. The establishment clause states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." This means that the government should not promote or favor any particular religion over others, nor should it interfere with individuals' religious beliefs.

Therefore, the correct answer is the establishment clause.