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BRI's Homework Help: The Free Exercise Clause

6 minutes 21 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

The video, "BRI's Homework Help: The Free Exercise Clause," explores the historical and legal evolution of the Free Exercise Clause in the U.S. Constitution, ensuring religious freedom. It highlights James Madison's work and the individual right to practice religion without government interference. The video discusses how American Founders integrated Enlightenment ideas on religious toleration, leading to the vital protection of religious exercise. Key Supreme Court cases, such as Cantwell v. Connecticut, Sherbert v. Verner, and Employment Division v. Smith, illustrate the ongoing balance between individual freedom and public interest. This educational content is crucial for school-aged children to understand the role of constitutional rights in shaping American society and the significance of religious liberty as an inalienable right. Exploring these historical insights fosters a deeper appreciation of religious diversity and the importance of civil liberties in democratic governance.

Media Details

Runtime: 6 minutes 21 seconds

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Digital collage. Superimposed heads of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson on the bodies of 2 men with arms around each other. Text overlay reads, "B, F, Fs 4 eva." Caption. His best friend was Thomas Jefferson.
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