The only reference to its power to extend its jurisdiction against the State of New York is in one brief sentence referring to the first amendment as follows: Under the amendments prohibition against governmental establishment of religion. as reinforced by the provisions of the 14th amendment. government in this country by the State or Federal is without power to prescribe by law any particular form of prayer which is to be used as an official prayer in carrying on any program of governmentally sponsored religious activity. And thus the Court briefly and brusquely clothes itself with the power to interfere with State government with just the words. "as reinforced by the provisions of the 14th amendment." The question immediately arises. what provisions of the 14th amendment reinforce this assumption of power? Examine. if you will. the 14th amendment. section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States. and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States. nor shall any State deprive any person of life. liberty. or property. without due process of law. nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. You will look in vain for any word relating to the subject of religion.
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naturalized