The incorporation of the 14th Amendment as it relates to civil liberties is one of the longest and most important constitutional debates of all time. Although the 14th Amendment was adopted in 1868, the Supreme Court provided the first interpretation of its scope five years later. The Court upheld the Privileges and Immunities Clause by a narrow vote of 5 to 4. This clause was later thought to be the regular basis for enforcing the civil rights and liberties of individual citizens. The development of understanding and measures to protect one of these freedoms, freedom of religion, has changed throughout the history of the United States. Evidence of this can be seen not only in the role played by the government, but also through several court cases. In the early 20th century, the Supreme Court began to incorporate only some of the specific provisions of the Bill of Rights while, at the same time, denying the incorporation of others. Civil liberties are considered protection against government actions. For example, the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights guarantees Americans the right to practice whatever religion they choose. The government, therefore, cannot interfere in an individual's freedom of worship. The federal government has been instrumental in expanding protection of individual religious freedom rights. Back in the days when civilizations followed their leaders, such as in the Middle Ages, the growth of personal freedoms was initially quite slow, if not non-existent. During the Dark Ages this lack of progress was directly linked to the “solitary, nasty, brutal and short” quality of life of that time – Thomas Hobbes (Woiceshyn). Once freedom became more desired by the population around the 19th century...... middle of paper ......edom”). In conclusion, the incorporation of the 14th Amendment regarding the development of understanding and provision for the protection of civil liberties such as freedom of religion has changed throughout the history of the United States. The role played by government continues to grow, for better or worse, and may actually require courts to revisit their interpretation from which laws are developed. Indeed, the separation of church and state has had its ups and downs. From the case involving the busing of children to parochial schools, to another involving the use of prayer in public schools, to the case in which the President of the United States formed religious organizations to benefit citizens in need of help, the government and more. Above all, its citizens will continue to closely monitor the progress and protection of their freedom of religion.