POLS 354 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Lemon V. Kurtzman, Establishment Clause
Document Summary
Often referred to as no aid interpretation. Interprets the establishment clause to prohibit a national establishment of a religion by congress. Prohibits government aid to religion in any way: non-preferentialist. Interpretation that the establishment clause prohibits government privileging one religious preference over another. Prohibits government from favoring one religion over another, but does not prohibit government aiding religion in general: relevant readings. The establishment clause: history and context p. 204-206 (lyles) History of religious conflict in the united states: early history (18th century) tended to be protestant vs. protestant. Anglicans vs. baptist, for example: 19th and 20th century tended to be protestant vs. catholic, modern history tends to be religious vs. secular. For instance, religious monuments placed on public property. Believed government would corrupt religion: thomas jefferson. Believed in a strict separation between church and state. Cases: everson v. board of education.
