Which clause prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion or impeding free exercise of religion?

• A. Establishment Clause
• B. Free Speech Clause
• C. Free Exercise Clause
• D. Due Process Clause

Answer: (A)

These questions test how the First Amendment limits government involvement with religion and supports church–state separation. The Establishment Clause directly prohibts Congress from establishing an official national religion or preferring one religion over others, which is exactly the restriction described in the prompt. That direct link to preventing an official state church is why this clause is the best fit for the stated restriction.

It’s useful to keep in mind that the Free Exercise Clause is a separate protection that guards individuals’ right to practice their religion without government interference, but it addresses the other side of religious liberty, not the establishment of a religion. The Free Speech Clause and the Due Process Clause deal with different rights altogether and don’t address the core idea of government establishment of religion.