Lesson 3.2: The First Amendment: Religion
Enduring Understanding:
Provisions of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights are continually being interpreted to balance the power of government and the civil liberties of individuals.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the extent to which the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the First and Second Amendments reflects a commitment to individual liberty.
Essential Knowledge:
The interpretation and application of the First Amendment’s establishment and free exercise clauses reflect an ongoing debate over balancing majoritarian religions practice and free exercise, as represented by such cases as:
- Engel v. Vitale (1962), which declared school sponsorship of religious activities violates the establishment clause.
- Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), which held that compelling Amish students to attend school past the eighth grade violates the free exercise clause.
Activity #1: Notes over Civil Rights, Civil Liberties and the 1st Amendment:
Activity #2: Supreme Court Simulation...
Take a look at your card
2-10: Supreme Court Justice
J and Q: Lawyers for Plaintiff
K and A: Lawyers for the Defendant
Red: Engle (P) vs. Vitale (D)
Black: Wisconsin (P) vs. Yoder (D)
For the first 30 minutes, here are your jobs...
Justices, research the BACKGROUND of your case. In your notebooks write down the 5 W's. The Who, What, When, Where, Why.
Lawyers, your job is to work with your partner to write a 2-3 minute speech about why the Constitution supports your side. It's not about what happened!!!
