What does the Establishment Clause prohibit?

The Establishment Clause, found in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another. This means that the government cannot create a national church or endorse religious beliefs and practices as a matter of official policy. The aim of the Establishment Clause is to ensure a separation between church and state, allowing individuals to practice their religions freely without government interference or coercion.

This principle is essential in maintaining religious freedom in the United States, as it protects diverse beliefs from being suppressed or unfairly amplified by government endorsement. The prohibition on establishing an official religion also supports the idea of pluralism, allowing for a variety of faiths to coexist without state preference, fostering an environment where individuals can exercise their rights to worship as they choose.

Understanding this context clarifies why the other choices do not align with the Establishment Clause. Government censorship of speech relates to the Free Speech Clause, not the Establishment Clause. The control of public education can involve various issues, including curriculum content, but it does not directly relate to the establishment of religion. Similarly, government involvement in political campaigns addresses electoral regulation rather than religious establishment.