Florida Civics Literacy (FCLE) Practice Exam

Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the free exercise clause?

1. West Virginia v. Barnette

2. McCulloh v. Maryland

3. Tinker v. Des Moines

4. US v. Nixon

The correct answer is: West Virginia v. Barnette

West Virginia v. Barnette was the United States Supreme Court decision that was based on the free exercise clause. This decision established that students have the right to refuse to salute the American flag in schools, even if it goes against their religious beliefs, as this would violate their freedom of religion under the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. The other options, while important Supreme Court decisions, were not based on the free exercise clause. McCulloh v. Maryland dealt with the supremacy of federal laws over state laws, Tinker v. Des Moines focused on student free speech, and US v. Nixon was a case involving executive privilege and the Watergate scandal.