Columbia College Religious Freedom Article Discussion

Review the CQ Researcher article on Religious Freedom and check out the videos on the Lemon Test and animal sacrifice in the Supplemental Resources before you answer the following questions. What is the proper boundary between church and state? Should the First Amendment be interpreted strictly so that no one’s rights are infringed by government sponsorship of religion – or should it be interpreted loosely to recognize that the U.S. is a very religious country? On the matter of religious freedom, what are the appropriate boundaries? Under what circumstances, if any, should religious freedom take precedence over the law? Illustrate your answer with specific examples.

The CQ Researcher reading and course resources for this week provide important information on this issue. Describe government surveillance programs that have developed since 9/11. Do you think these programs violate citizens’ constitutional rights or are they necessary measures to track terrorists? Justify and explain your answer.