60 Second Civics: Freedom of Religion Pt. 4: Religious Persecution in Colonies

Looks at the development of religious tolerance in early America and the separation of the church from the state.

The Great Awakening was a religious revival in the mid-18th century and led to religious diversity and tolerance for some groups but not all.

Describes how the exile of Roger Williams from Massachusetts Bay Colony for his beliefs led to the founding of the Colony of Rhode Island, where freedom of conscience and religious toleration were practiced.

Describes eighteenth-century American attitudes towards established religion.

Discusses the application of the free exercise clause to student rights in the context of their religious beliefs, as interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Examines the disappearance of established religion in the states and the incorporation of the establishment clause.

The free exercise test used by the Supreme Court asks two questions when determining if religious rights are being infringed upon.

Explains the two parts of the free exercise of religion guarantee in the Constitution - the freedom to believe and the freedom to practice.

Examines early American views on religion, character, and freedom of belief.

Introduces the topic of the establishment and free exercise clauses in the 1st Amendment.