Church-state relations in America have been widely discussed and hotly debated. One school of thought maintains that the Church must be absolutely separate from the State, while another maintains that the Church plays a moral role in the construction of the State and its sanctity, without which the State risks collapsing. In my analysis of church-state relations, I assert that the history of church-state relations has a constitutional basis. Next, I discuss the two schools of thought in context and how they have shaped contemporary American political thought. Finally, I argue that the two schools of thought have common ground. This is followed by a summary of my main arguments and a conclusion to my essay. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes religious freedom: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” » In the constitutional context, Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers, wrote a bill to establish religious freedom. The bill was passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1777. However, Jefferson believed that it was not enough to have a constitutional provision prohibiting Congress from establishing one religion for all; it was equally important to separate church from state to allow religious freedom, so that everyone could freely practice their religion without government restrictions. Thus, he opposed state interference in religious practices. Second, Jefferson argued that if the state were allowed to interfere in church affairs, it would give the government the power to persecute those who opposed its policies. The man, whose ideas and ideals have been shaped by experience and practice, ...... middle of document ...... the quality and virtue of the State. In summary, I have stated the constitutional basis as it relates to the history of church-state relations in America. I have clearly stated the two doctrines of the separation of church and state versus the use of religion to strengthen the morality and virtues of the republic. And I have argued that the two doctrines have common ground in matters of conscience and morality. I conclude that the role of the Church in the State is indispensable to the extent that it produces morally upright leaders. However, it cannot influence public policies by imposing its doctrines on the State or by coercing any politician or political entity thereof. Works cited1. Kramnick, Isaac and Lowi, Theory, J. American Political Thought: A Norton Anthology. WW Norton, 2000.2. Shklar, Judith, N. Redemption of American Political Thought. University of Chicago Press, 1998.