Which clause prohibits the government from prohibiting an individual from practicing his or her religion?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the protection of religious practice under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. This clause directly bars the government from prohibiting an individual from practicing their religion, ensuring people can follow their beliefs without government interference. The Establishment Clause stops the government from establishing or endorsing a religion, but it doesn’t address prohibiting religious practice. The Due Process Clause (from the Fourteenth Amendment) protects various fundamental liberties from state action, but it isn’t the specific protection that guarantees freedom to practice religion. The Eighth Amendment covers punishment and has nothing to do with religion. So the clause that prohibits government action against an individual's religious practice is the Free Exercise Clause.