Which clause prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion?

• A. Establishment Clause 1st Amendment
• B. Free Exercise Clause
• C. Due Process Clause
• D. Privileges & Immunities Clause

Answer: (A)

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion or favoring one faith over others. This sets a boundary that the government cannot create a national church or financially support religious institutions, embodying the idea of church-state separation. That direct restriction is why it’s the correct answer: it specifically addresses government action toward religion in a way the other clauses do not. The Free Exercise Clause protects individuals’ rights to worship as they choose, not the government’s stance on religion; the Due Process Clause protects fair legal procedure and fundamental rights, and the Privileges & Immunities Clause limits state discrimination against citizens. So those clauses address different protections and do not tackle the establishment of religion by the government.