1983 Supreme Court case Marsh v. Chambers, which centers on whether opening a legislative session with a prayer violates the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment to the US Constitution, is the focus of a series of discussions and activities.

Concepts

the separation of church and state, the bill of rights, constitutional law, the united states constitution, supreme court cases, the first amendment

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members investigate the law and practice of their state legislature on the question

Classroom Considerations

• There is a $35.00 charge for the documentary

Pros

• The richly detailed plan is carefully scaffolded and includes the text of the court decision
• A link to a second case, Lee v. Weisman, is provided

Cons

• The associated Voices of American Law documentary must be purchased

Common Core

RI.11-12.8 W.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.1.a