Apentix/AP United States Government and Politics/Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights/Question
AP United States Government and Politicshardmcq1 pt

A public high school allows student-led religious groups to use school facilities after hours, provided the school does not sponsor the activities. A student sues, claiming this violates the Establishment Clause. How would the Supreme Court likely rule based on precedent such as the Equal Access Act and Board of Education v. Mergens (1990)?

A.The policy is constitutional because it creates a limited open forum where the school does not endorse the religious content.
B.The policy is unconstitutional because it violates the Free Exercise Clause by limiting the group to after-school hours.
C.The policy is unconstitutional because it creates excessive government entanglement with religion.
D.The policy is constitutional only if the religious group does not use school equipment or resources.

Explanation

Core Concept

This is correct. In Mergens, the Court upheld the Equal Access Act, ruling that allowing religious groups the same access as secular groups does not violate the Establishment Clause as long as the school is merely providing a neutral forum and not sponsoring the group.

Correct Answer

AThe policy is constitutional because it creates a limited open forum where the school does not endorse the religious content.

More Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights practice questions

Try a random question →

Practice more AP United States Government and Politics questions with full explanations

Practice Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Questions →