Why was free religious exercise so important to the Founding Fathers?

Answer 1

Britain had established the Church of England as its official religion. People of other beliefs were frequently persecuted for their beliefs. Many of these groups escaped Britain to settle in the New World to escape this persecution. Therefore, throughout the colonies, there were many different religions represented with each being dominant in one or more regions. The founding fathers also recognized the strength of Immigration. Remember the French and some Germans who helped during the Revolution. These were predominantly Catholic and Protestant countries. By codifying the free exercise of religion and not permitting any future establishment of a state religion, they allowed for freedom of a type frequently not allowed and prevented (at least to some degree) future official persecution of others.

Answer 2

The "Bill of Rights" can be found here: http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html 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. This clearly states that congress shall not participate in the establishment of (a state) religion and that any and all religions are on equal footing. Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Bill of Rights, stated: "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/quotes/wisdom.html Freedom of speech had to do with open criticism of the government and people in office. There was a brief romance with quelling such criticism in the Alien and Sedition Acts, it was short lived. Patriotism has nothing to do with how one feels about one's politicians. Patriotism transcends the people to become love of the enterprise itself

Answer 3

The 1st Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights to prevent the government from intruding on American's rights to freedom of religion, speech, and assembly. They are key to preventing tyranny and promoting open, free democracy because they prevent the government from telling citizens what to believe, what they can or cannot say, or with whom they may associate. The Amendment is simple; the Amendment functions like an on-off switch: may the State impose, establish, prevent, encourage, fund, discourage, require, prohibit, or promote a religion? No. May the government limit your right to publish or say whatever you like? No. May the government prevent you from assembling with friends or allies? No. May the government prevent you from suing the Government? No. Now, while simple, it is not stupid and should not be stupidly interpreted and if you stupidly exercise it, you shouldn't whine about your rights being violated. For example, you mustn't cry "Fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire, as the resulting pandemonium risks lives and costs the theater owner and ticket-buyers the business and purchased entertainment. You may not libel another citizen or knowingly deceive for profit. You may publish filth or bad poetry, call the President a fool and demand his impeachment, and suchlike. You may gather with friends to march in protest, but are required to gain permission from those responsible for public safety issues such as fire, traffic, and such. You may meet in homes and churches without government knowledge or interference. You may sue the government but presumably your suit must have merit to prevent an unbiased judge throwing it out. Exceptions are developing; I believe laws have been passed preventing citizens from filing suit against excessive logging on public lands, and I imagine there are similar laws elsewhere. These should be questioned and probably overturned. Please note I am not a lawyer, merely a citizen with an interest in the Constitution.

Answer 4

The First Amendment was important to the framer since it symbolizes the freedom of everyone to say what they want. Without this freedom, elections and other political campaigns will be worthless.

Answer 5

Because the US government is based on and created for freedom and opportunity, which includes being free to choose religon..and its importance is shown in the fact that it is one of the first laws passed when the country was created.

Answer 6

They wanted to ensure that people could follow a religion without being persecuted or hurt for it because in old England, they persecuted certain religious groups for a while.