Which clause protects religious practices from government interference?

• A. Establishment Clause
• B. Free Exercise Clause
• C. Free Speech Clause
• D. Right to Petition

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is how the government cannot interfere with religious practice. This protection comes from the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. It says that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion, and over time the courts have applied it to the states as well through the Fourteenth Amendment. This clause is specifically about individuals’ or groups’ ability to observe their faith and follow religious rituals, and it can require accommodations or exemptions when laws would burden that practice, unless there’s a compelling governmental interest and the action taken is narrowly tailored.

The other options address different ideas: the Establishment Clause bars the government from establishing an official religion or endorsing religion; the Free Speech Clause protects the expression of ideas and beliefs; the Right to Petition covers the right to lobby the government for grievances. So the Free Exercise Clause is the one that directly protects religious practices from government interference.