Constitutional Debates on Freedom of Religion - A Documentary History

Debates over the separation or accommodation of religion and government have divided Americans since the founding of our country and continue to echo in governmental chambers today, as people argue sharply and heatedly about the exact meaning and correct applications of First Amendment clauses on religious establishment and free exercise of religion. Students can trace the history and development of these arguments, as well as the reactions to them, through this unique collection of over 70 primary documents. Court cases and other documents bring to life the controversies surrounding the issues. Explanatory introductions to documents aid users in understanding the various arguments put forth, while illuminating the significance of each document.

Patrick and Long trace the origins and changes in the nature of the debates surrounding the issue of freedom of religion using carefully chosen court cases and other documents to reflect the fact that the Court's decision has not always ended public controversy about the relationships between church and state or religion and government. Indeed, especially in recent years, the Court's decisions in some cases have exacerbated old tensions and generated new issues. The focus throughout is on the connection between the U.S. Constitution and freedom of religion. The introductory and explanatory text help readers understand the nature of the conflicts, the issues being litigated, the social and cultural pressures that shaped each debate, and the manner in which the passions of individual government officials, justices, and our presidents affected the development of policies concerning freedom of religion.

Sommario

Series Foreword
Introduction
Chronology of Key Events
Colonial Roots of Religious Liberty, 1606-1776
Religious Liberty in the Founding of the United States, 1776-1791
The Constitutional Right to Free Exercise of Religion, 1791-1991
The Constitutional Prohibition of an Establishment of Religion, 1791-1991
Constitutional Issues on Freedom of Religion, 1991-1998
Index

Info autore

Gerald Long, John J. Patrick

Dettagli sul prodotto

• Autori: Long Gerald, Patrick John J.
• Con la collaborazione di: Gerald P. Long (Editore), John J. Patrick (Editore)
• Editore: Bloomsbury
• Lingue: Inglese
• Formato: Copertina rigida
• Pubblicazione: 30.11.1999
• EAN: 9780313301407
• ISBN: 978-0-313-30140-7
• Serie: Primary Documents in American History and Contemporary Issues
• Categorie: Scienze sociali, diritto, economia > Diritto > Diritto pubblico, amministrativo, costituzionale; USA, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Freedom, RELIGION / General, LAW / Constitutional, POLITICAL SCIENCE / American Government / Executive Branch, POLITICAL SCIENCE / American Government / Legislative Branch, Religion: general, c 1500 onwards to present day, United States of America, USA, Political control and freedoms, Political Control & Freedoms, Constitution: government & the state, Modern Period, C 1500 Onwards, Constitution: government and the state, Constitutional & administrative law, Constitutional and administrative law: general, Current Events and Issues