Religion and the Government

Following the American victory in the Revolutionary War, the topic of religious freedom became one of heavy scrutiny and debate, both within the states and the new country at large. Several important laws and amendments were produced at varying levels of government within the new United States.

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was introduced in 1786. It's chief purpose was to sign into law the separation of church and state, and that the free practice of religion was to be allowed within Virginia. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Statute, and saw it passed. This statute paved the way for the concept of religious freedom within the United States at large.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution also outlines the concept of religious freedom. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." This first, and most important, amendment secures the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and the freedom of religion. This amendment secures the rights of each and every American to have the freedom of worship and practice of their own religion.