What is prohibited by the establishment clause?

The establishment clause, found in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, specifically prohibits Congress from making laws that would establish an official religion or unduly favor one religion over another. This clause is intended to maintain a separation between religion and government, ensuring that the government does not endorse, support, or financially assist any religious institution or belief system.

The emphasis is on preventing the government from adopting a formal stance or institution that leverages religious authority or preference in public policy. This is crucial for upholding the principle of religious freedom, allowing individuals to practice their beliefs without interference or preference from the state. Other options refer to different aspects of constitutional rights or governmental authority and do not directly relate to the role of the establishment clause in maintaining the separation of church and state.