8. 1st Amendment
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“[Human governments] could not give the rights essential to happiness… We claim them from a higher source – from the King of kings and Lord of all the earth. They are not annexed to us by parchments and seals. They are created in us by the decrees of Providence, which establish the laws of our nature. They are born with us; exist with us; and cannot be taken from us by any human power, without taking our lives.”
– John Dickinson, Constitution Signer
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CONSTITUTION ALIVE! Class Workbook
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SECTION EIGHT: Freedom OF Religion
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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . . .’xxxi
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CONSTITUTION ALIVE! Class Workbook
SECTION EIGHT: Freedom OF Religion
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“Religion is the only solid basis of good morals. Therefore, education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man toward God.”xxxiv
– Gouverneur Morris, Signer of the Constitution
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CONSTITUTION ALIVE! Class Workbook
“Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is divine. Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistants. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other.”xxxvi
– James Wilson, Signer of the Constitution
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SECTION EIGHT: Freedom OF Religion
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“For what business, in the name of common sense, has the magistrate with our religion? The state does not have any concern in the matter. In what manner does it affect society in what outward form we think it best to pay our adoration to God? The consciences of men are not the objects of human legislation. In contrast with this spiritual tyranny, how beautiful appears our constitution in disclaiming all jurisdiction over the souls of men, securing by a never-to-be-repealed section the voluntary, unchecked moral persuasion of every person by his own self- directed communication with the Father of spirits!”
– William Livingston, Constitution Signer
“Security under our constitution is given to the rights of conscience and private judgment. They are by nature subject to no control but that of Deity, and in that free situation they are now left.”
– John Jay, first Supreme Court Chief Justice
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CONSTITUTION ALIVE! Class Workbook