Short Essays

Each essay should be at least 500 words in length (2 pages, double-spaced), using 12-point font, and in proper APA format.

1.   Based on the cases you have read about the establishment of religion, can you articulate a simple clear description of what practices would constitute a governmental “establishment of religion” and which would not? Such things as providing transportation to nonpublic schools, free textbooks, special services (special education, translators), tuition grants, testing services, and praying before Friday night football games have all been considered in this light by the court.

2. Summarize the significance of Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971). What was the major legal test established by the case? How did that precedent synthesize the Court’s previous decision on the Establishment Clause? Be sure to cite the facts of the case and the reasoning in the majority opinion. Use a minimum of two sources, one of which may be the textbook.