What does the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment prohibit?

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government from establishing an official religion, which means that it prevents the government from favoring one religion over another or from endorsing religious beliefs at the expense of secular ones. This clause is foundational to the principle of separation of church and state, ensuring that the government remains neutral in matters of religion. As a result, it protects both the freedom of individuals to practice their religion and the rights of those who choose not to follow any religion.

This understanding is critical as it clarifies the role of the government in relation to religious institutions and helps to maintain a pluralistic society where diverse beliefs can coexist without government intervention or coercion. The other options provided deal with different rights and responsibilities, such as free speech, taxation, and assembly, which do not fall under the scope of the Establishment Clause.