Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that no man shall be compelled to gather in any place of worship or ministry...all men shall be
free to express their opinions in matters of faith, and their opinions shall in no way diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."
Thomas Jefferson, 1786
2. (A) Was Jefferson speaking before the Constitution was written and ratified? (B) Look at the first amendment in the
Constitution (pg. 166 in your text). What first amendment freedom is Thomas Jefferson talking about in this quote? (C)
What "General Assembly" does Jefferson fear might interfere with this freedom?
