Making A Scene

What percent of Americans say that Christian symbols like nativity scenes should NOT be allowed on government property?

AP Government and Politics Resources

1. How accurate was your prediction?

2. How has that number changed over the past three years?

3. Why do you think that is?

4. What is one consequence of this?

5. If this number continues to change at approximately 2% a year, in what year will the majority of Americans agree that Christian symbols like nativity scenes should NOT be allowed on government property?

6. How will government actions or laws be impacted by this?

7. What is the big story the chart tells?

8. What question do you have about this?

9. What has your own government done about this?

10. How different do you think the answer to this survey question would be if we changed the word Christian to Muslim?

11. What has the Supreme Court of the United States said about religious displays on government property?

12. The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion," Do you believe that this clause allows for manger scenes on government property.

13. Do you personally think that Christian symbols like nativity scenes should NOT be allowed on government property?

14. How do you think demographics impact opinion on religious displays by government.*

Learning Extension

Read the Pew Report on American attitudes towards religious displays by the government.

Action Extension

Find out if your government (city, town, county, district) has any religious displays on public property. Document any displays you find. Contact your local government and tell them what you think about their displays (or lack thereof) and then share your findings in class or online.

Bonus Charts*