The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” These two clauses, the “establishment clause” and the “free exercise clause” dictate the relationship between government, including federal, state, and local government, and religion. The U.S. Supreme Court over the past several years, has either modified that relationship or has signaled a willingness to do so. This class will examine the two religion clauses, including their history and interpretation over the years, and will look at recent Supreme Court changes to individual rights under these important clauses.