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Bill of Rights
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XXI - XXVII
First Amendment
Freedom of Religion
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1791
First Amendment Is Ratified
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1791
First Amendment Is Ratified
The First Amendment is ratified when Virginia becomes the 11th state to approve the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. The amendment, drafted primarily by James Madison, guarantees basic freedoms for citizens: freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition.
Read more about the First Amendment
Source:First Amendment Center
Read more about James Madison and his papers
Source:Library of Congress
1802
Jefferson Writes Of Church-State Separation
1875
Church-State Amendment Proposed
1878
Court Says Religious Conduct May Be Restricted
1925
Court: Parents Can Choose Children's School
1925
'Scopes Monkey Trial' Opens
1930
Public Funds May Benefit Children At Private Schools
1940
Ban On Religious Solicitation Struck Down
1940
Flag Salute Requirement Is Upheld
1943
Court: Required Flag Salute Violates First Amendment
1947
State May Cover Transportation To Parochial Schools
1948
Religious Instruction In Public Schools Prohibited
1952
Public Schools May Accommodate Religious Instruction
1962
Voluntary School Prayer Is Unconstitutional
1963
Worker May Keep Sabbath And Jobless Benefits
1963
Prayer Rejected; Secular Study of Religion Allowed
1968
State May Not Prohibit Lessons In Evolution
1970
Houses Of Worship May Be Tax-Exempt
1971
State May Not Aid Non-Public Schools
1972
Compulsory School Attendance Law Overturned
1973
Aid To Non-Public Schools, Students Not Allowed
1980
Posting Of Ten Commandments Unconstitutional
1983
Legislative Sessions May Open With Prayer
1984
City's Nativity Scene Is Constitutional
1984
Congress Passes Equal Access Act
1985
Court: No Federal Funds For Parochial School's Special Needs Students
1985
'Moment Of Silence' Law Ruled Unconstitutional
1987
'Creation Science' Requirement Struck Down
1988
Federal Grants May Aid Religious Groups For Secular Purpose
1989
Court Distinguishes Between Holiday Displays
1990
Free Exercise Clause Protects Beliefs, Not Conduct
1990
Court Upholds Equal Access Act
1992
Prayers At Graduation Violate Establishment Clause
1993
Religious Freedom Restoration Act Passed
1993
Deaf Parochial School Student Entitled To Interpreter
1995
Guidelines Issued On Religious Expression In Schools
1995
College Must Finance Christian Student Newspaper
1997
Tutoring Ban On Public School Teachers Lifted
1997
Religious Freedom Restoration Act Is Voided
1997
Guidelines Issued On Religious Expression In Workplace
2000
Prayers Before Football Games Unconstitutional
2002
Use Of Vouchers For Religious Schools Upheld
2004
State May Deny Financial Aid For Devotional Study
2005
Court Divided On Ten Commandments Cases
2006
Church May Import Hallucinogenic Tea