Question 2 • Fall 24 American Government/Civics IC
According to Chief Justice Burger, why was the crèche display constitutional?The government has the right to promote religion under the First Amendment.The First Amendment only applies to federal government, not city governments.No one is forced to look at the crèche. The crèche depicts the origins of Christmas but does not promote religion.
Answer
A
The government has the right to promote religion under the First Amendment.
B
The First Amendment only applies to federal government, not city governments.
C
No one is forced to look at the crèche.
D
The crèche depicts the origins of Christmas but does not promote religion.
Explanation
Chief Justice Burger reasoned that the crèche was part of a broader civic Christmas display and could be understood as depicting the historical origins of Christmas rather than promoting religious belief. The Court therefore found that the display did not amount to government endorsement of religion. Choice D states this reasoning; the First Amendment does apply to city governments.
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