Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Free Exercise Clause?

The correct answer is the decision in West Virginia v. Barnette (1943), which is significant for its interpretation of the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. This case addressed the rights of students in a public school to refuse to salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance on the grounds of their religious beliefs. The Supreme Court ruled that requiring students to engage in such patriotic acts violated their rights to free exercise of religion, emphasizing the importance of protecting individual beliefs and practices against government coercion.

This decision highlights the broader principle that the government cannot compel individuals to act against their religious convictions, reinforcing the notion of freedom of conscience as central to American democracy. The ruling is a pivotal moment in the discussion of religious freedom within the context of education and illustrates the Court's commitment to ensuring that personal beliefs are respected within public institutions.

In contrast, the other choices refer to cases that focus on different legal principles and significant issues. Plessy v. Ferguson addresses racial segregation and the doctrine of "separate but equal," while McCulloch v. Maryland centers on federal power and states' rights. Marbury v. Madison deals with judicial review and the establishment of the Supreme Court's authority. None of these cases fundamentally engage