5-30-26 THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Separation of Church and State Its Original Intent The First Amendment Restrains Government The First Amendment says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Both clauses are aimed at government. The Establishment Clause prevents the State from creating or enforcing a national church. The Free Exercise Clause protects the people’s right to live out their faith. The First Amendment was not written to restrict religious citizens. It was written to restrict government power. It does not tell Christians to keep silent. It tells Congress to keep its hands off religion. REMEMBER. The First Amendment protects religious liberty. It does not erase religious expression. Independence. Freedom. Liberty. RIFL Society @RiflSociety2026