Question

in engel v. vitale, why did the courts rule that prayer in schools was unconstitutional? the prayer promoted one religion. the prayer took time away from instruction. the prayer was required in the school. the prayer was considered a religious activity.

Explanation:

In Engel v. Vitale, the Supreme Court ruled that school - sponsored prayer was unconstitutional because it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The prayer in question promoted a particular religious viewpoint (in this case, a nondenominational Christian prayer), and the court held that public schools, as government - run institutions, could not promote one religion over others or religion in general. The other options are incorrect: the issue was not about time taken from instruction, the fact that it was required is related to the establishment of religion (but the core was promoting one religion), and all prayers are religious activities, but the key was the state - sponsored promotion of a religion.

Answer:

The prayer promoted one religion.