“Is the appointment of Chaplains to the two Houses of Congress consistent with the Constitution, and with the pure principle of religious freedom? In strictness the answer on both points must be in the negative. The Constitution of the U. S. forbids everything like an establishment of a national religion. The law appointing Chaplains establishes a religious worship for the national representatives, to be performed by Ministers of religion, elected by a majority of them, and these are to be paid out of the national taxes. Does this not involve the principle of a national establishment ... ?” DoeTwoLawHouseReligiousAnswersPrinciplesPureTaxesWorshipNegativeConstitutionPaidMajorityCongressPositive AtheismSeparationMinistersConsistentEstablishmentRepresentativesSeparation Of Church And StateReligious FreedomAppointmentsChaplains Author:James Madison
“The country is headed toward a single and splendid government of an aristocracy founded on banking institutions and moneyed incorporations and if this tendency continues it will be the end of freedom and democracy, the few will be ruling...I hope we shall...crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which dare already to challenge our government to trial and bid defiance to the laws of our country. I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.” IfsBelieveEndsCountryGovernmentLawChallengesDemocracyDangerousBirthStandingArmyInstitutionsDareTrialsTendenciesOur CountryCorporationsCrushEstablishmentBankingRulingSincerelySplendidDefianceAristocracyIncorporation Author:Thomas Jefferson
“The "establishment of religion" clause of the First Amendment means at least this: Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion.” FirstsMeanPersonsStatesGovernmentLawBeliefForceChurchAtheismInfluencePositive AtheismAidsEstablishmentAmendmentsFederal GovernmentFirst AmendmentDisbeliefSeparation Of Church And StateClauses Author:Hugo Black
“Because the bill in reserving a certain parcel of land in the United States for the use of said Baptist Church comprises a principle and a precedent for the appropriation of funds of the United States for the use and support of religious societies, contrary to the article of the Constitution which declares that "Congress shall make no law respecting a religious establishment."” SaidStatesUseLawCertainChurchReligiousUnitedPrinciplesUnited StatesSupportAtheismLandConstitutionBillsCongressPositive AtheismContraryFundArticlesEstablishmentBaptistsPrecedentAppropriationParcel Book:The Writings of James Madison: 1808-1819 Source: The Writings of James Madison: 1808-1819
“"Respecting" means concerning or with reference to. But it also means with respect~ that is "reverence," "good-will," "regard" to. Taking into account this richer meaning, the Establishment Clause, in banning laws that concern religion, especially prohibits those that pay homage to religion.” MeanLawPayAtheismConcernAccountsRegardPositive AtheismEstablishmentReverenceGood WillHomageClausesEstablishment Clause Author:John Paul Stevens