Which part of the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of religion?

The Bill of Rights, which constitutes the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, includes protections for various individual liberties, including the freedom of religion. Specifically, the First Amendment prohibits Congress from making any law that establishes a religion or restricts the free exercise thereof. This dual protection ensures that individuals have the right to practice their religion freely without government interference, as well as preventing the government from favoring one religion over another. This focus on safeguarding religious liberty is a cornerstone of American democratic values and reflects the Founding Fathers' intent to create a society where diverse beliefs could coexist without state oppression.

Other parts of the Constitution, such as the Articles or the Preamble, do not specifically address the nuances of religious freedom in the same direct manner that the Bill of Rights does. The Articles generally outline the structure and function of government, while the Preamble serves as an introductory statement that outlines the purposes of the Constitution without delving into specific rights.