Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Free Exercise Clause?

1. Roe v. Wade

2. West Virginia v. Barnette

3. U.S. v. Nixon

4. Plessy v. Ferguson

The correct answer is: West Virginia v. Barnette

The decision in West Virginia v. Barnette is centered on the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely. In this landmark case, the Supreme Court held that public school students could not be forced to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance if it was against their religious beliefs. The Court recognized the sincerity of the students' beliefs as members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, who viewed such actions as a form of idolatry. This ruling underscored the importance of protecting individual religious expressions and highlighted that the government cannot compel individuals to act against their religious convictions. Other cases listed are significant but address different constitutional issues. Roe v. Wade addresses the right to privacy and abortion; U.S. v. Nixon relates to executive privilege and the separation of powers; and Plessy v. Ferguson deals with racial segregation and the "separate but equal" doctrine. Each of these landmarks reflects vital aspects of American law but does not specifically involve the Free Exercise Clause, which is the focus of the question.