Date of Defense
6-2-2004
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten
Second Advisor
Dr. Robert Felkel
Abstract
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is one of the more powerful collections of words in all of political literature. The importance and meaning that have been given to this collection of words has served as a foundation of a nation. The first clause of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights is the Establishment Clause. Its location at the beginning of the Amendments indicates the significance of this clause, and the importance of its purpose to the Founding Fathers and the American people. One of the oldest stories of American history, that of the Pilgrims and their exodus to a land free of religious persecution, echoes in the Establishment Clause. Despite the history and prestige surrounding the Establishment Clause, its meaning and significance have never been more greatly underscored than in the last half century, through Everson v. Board of Education.
Recommended Citation
Fink, Ryan, "A Powerful Paradox: The Jurisprudence of the Establishment Clause, Everson v. Board of Education, United States Supreme Court, 1947" (2004). Honors Theses. 894.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/894
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Campus Only