civic religion

(noun)

Term used to refer to view that Americans view the documents of the Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, as being a cornerstone of a type of civic religion.

Related Terms

Examples of civic religion in the following topics:

  • The Constitution

    • There is a viewpoint that some Americans have come to see the documents of the Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, as being a cornerstone of a type of civic religion.

  • Freedom of Religion

    • The following religious civil liberties are guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. " Thus, freedom of religion in the U.S. has two parts: the prohibition on the establishment of a state religion, and the right of all citizens to practice their religion.
    • The Federal Government may not establish a national church or religion or excessively involve itself in religion, particularly to the benefit of one religion over another.
    • Therefore, states must guarantee freedom of religion in the same way the Federal Government must.
    • By extension, democracies interpret "freedom of religion" as the right of each individual to freely choose to convert from one religion to another, mix religions, or abandon religion altogether.
    • Summarize the meaning of "freedom of religion" in the U.S. constitution

  • Religious Freedom

    • Freedom of religion is a principle that allows an individual or community to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.
    • Freedom of religion is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.
    • This concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change a religion, leave a religion, or not to follow any religion.
    • Freedom of religion is considered by many nations to be a fundamental human right.
    • In the United States, freedom of religion is a constitutionally guaranteed right provided in the religion clauses of the First Amendment.

  • Attempts to Improve Voter Turnout

    • Voting may be seen as a civic right rather than a civic duty.
    • Voting may be seen as a civic right rather than a civic duty.

  • The Establishment Clause: Separation of Church and State

    • The Establishment Clause in the First Amendment to the Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. " Together with the Free Exercise Clause ("... or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"), these two clauses make up what are called the "religion clauses" of the First Amendment.
    • The Establishment Clause has generally been interpreted to prohibit (1) the establishment of a national religion by Congress, or (2) the preference by the U.S. government of one religion over another.
    • Another main question is: should state-sanctioned prayer or religion in public schools be allowed?
    • In the former case, the Court upheld a public display, ruling that any benefit to religion was "indirect, remote, and incidental. " In Allegheny County, however, the Court struck down a display that had more overt religious themes .
    • Each case restricts acts by government designed to establish a religion, while affirming peoples' individual freedom to practice their religions.

  • Thinking Politically

    • Politics is the art or science of influencing people on a civic or individual level when there are more than two people involved.
    • Politics is the art or science of influencing people on a civic or individual level when there are more than two people involved.

  • The Free Exercise Clause: Freedom of Religion

    • The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment establishes the right of all Americans to freely practice their religions.
    • The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause together read:" Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
    • Thus, the Establishment Clause prevents the US from establishing or advocating for a specific religion, while the Free Exercise clause is intended to ensure the rights of Americans to practice their religions without state intervention .
    • The Supreme Court has consistently held, however, that the right to free exercise of religion is not absolute, and that it is acceptable for the government to limit free exercise in some cases.
    • Participation in organized religion or church attendance can be another important source of political socialization, as churches often teach certain political values.

  • Other Forms of Political Participation

    • About half the population takes part in national and community political affairs by joining an interest group, issue-based organization, civic organization, or political party.
    • Organizations with the goal of promoting civic action on behalf of particular causes, or single-issue groups, have proliferated.

  • The First Amendment

    • 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.

  • Civil Rights of People with Disabilities

    • Disabled persons face unique social challenges that may limit their participation in civic life.