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To: secretagent
As I currently understand, the first amendment only refers to the federal government. It doesn't protect the civil liberties of Americans from the encroachments of individual states.

For example, several states had established state religions (Christian). That didn't contradict the first amendment, which only prohibited the federal government from establishing a religion.

In theory, at least, the 14th amendment extended the US Constitution's protections, which is why no states have established religions any more, nor do they restrict voting rights or take property, etc...

76 posted on 01/25/2005 8:16:27 PM PST by PhatHead
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To: PhatHead
In theory, at least, the 14th amendment extended the US Constitution's protections, which is why no states have established religions any more...

But didn't they stop establishing state religions well before the 14th? Later.

85 posted on 01/25/2005 9:11:04 PM PST by secretagent
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