IS IT CONSTITUTIONAL? - pretest
Directions: Each of the following situations involves an aspect of state action and religion. Circle “No”
if you believe the state’s action does not violate the principle of separation of church and state, and
“Yes” if you believe that it does.
Yes
No
1. Does a state violate the Constitution when it grants tax exemptions to religious
organizations for property used exclusively for religious worship?
Yes
No
2. Does a state violate the Constitution when it requires that, as a condition for holding
public office, state officials must declare a belief in the existence of God?
Yes
No
3. Does a state violate the Constitution when it bars members of the clergy from serving as
members of its state legislature?
Yes
No
4. Does a state violate the Constitution when its state legislature opens its sessions with
prayer and pays chaplains for this service?
Yes
No
5. Does a state violate the Constitution when it uses public funds to provide bus
transportation for students attending non-public church-sponsored elementary and high
schools?
Yes
No
6. Does a state violate the Constitution when it requires students in the public schools to
salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance?
Yes
No
7. Does a state violate the Constitution when it requires teachers to read aloud passages
from the Bible and students to recite in unison the Lord’s Prayer at the opening of each
school day?
Yes
No
8. Does a state violate the Constitution when it requires moments of silence for voluntary
prayer at the opening of each school day?
Yes
No
9. Does a state violate the Constitution when it requires that a copy of the Ten
Commandments be posted in each public school classroom?
Yes
No
10. Does a state violate the Constitution when it uses public money to buy a nativity scene
and displays it on private land along with secular symbols of the Christmas season?
US Government II – Halterman
8.02
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
CR.B.11.5