Which of the following was the primary purpose for including the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment?
(1 point)
• to encourage people to attend the religious service of their own choice
• to make sure people could establish their own church
to make sure states could establish whatever religion the majority wanted
• to restrict the power of government over the rights of individual citizens
to restrict the power of government over the rights of individual citizens
The primary purpose for including the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment was to restrict the power of government over the rights of individual citizens.
The primary purpose for including the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment was to restrict the power of government over the rights of individual citizens. This clause ensures that the government cannot establish or favor any particular religion. It provides a separation between religion and the state, preventing the government from imposing a particular religious belief on its citizens. To determine the correct answer, we can analyze each option:
1. "To encourage people to attend the religious service of their own choice" - This option is not the primary purpose of the Establishment Clause. While it indirectly promotes freedom of religion, it does not capture the actual intent of the clause.
2. "To make sure people could establish their own church" - This option is also not the primary purpose of the Establishment Clause. The clause aims to prevent the government from favoring any specific religion, rather than ensuring individuals can establish their own church.
3. "To make sure states could establish whatever religion the majority wanted" - This option is incorrect. The Establishment Clause was specifically designed to prevent the government from establishing any religion, even if it is the majority's preference. It ensures that the rights of all citizens are protected, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Therefore, the correct answer would be: "To restrict the power of government over the rights of individual citizens."