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Provision in the First Amendment of the US Constitution prohibiting enactment of laws pertaining to “the establishment of religion.” It has been said that the establishment clause means that neither a state nor the federal government may set up a church; neither may pass laws that aid one religion, aid all religions or prefer one religion over another. In the words of Jefferson, the clause was intended to erect a “wall of separation between church and state.” Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016