In God We Trust

In God We Trust. It is the official national motto of the United States, appearing on its currency and within many government buildings. The phrase was first placed on United States coinage during the American Civil War and was formally adopted by an Act of Congress in 1956, replacing the de facto motto E pluribus unum. Its presence on public property has been the subject of numerous First Amendment legal challenges, making it a persistent element in debates over the separation of church and state.

● History of

the Motto The origins of the motto are deeply tied to the religious sentiment that surged during the American Civil War. In 1861, a Pennsylvania minister named M. R. Watkinson wrote to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, suggesting that the crisis warranted recognizing God on the nation’s coinage. Secretary Chase, an adherent of the Evangelical movement, instructed James Pollock, the Director of the United States Mint, to prepare a motto. This led to the Coinage Act of 1864, which authorized the minting of the two-cent piece bearing the phrase. The motto later appeared on the double eagle gold coin in 1866 and gradually spread to other denominations, including the silver dollar during the Gilded Age. Its use was further solidified during the Cold War, as a symbolic contrast against state atheism in the Soviet Union.

● Design and Usage

The motto is inscribed on all modern United States coinage, from the penny to the Sacagawea dollar, and is printed on paper currency. It is also featured prominently on the Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the back of the one-dollar bill. Federal law mandates its display in the United States Capitol, the Library of Congress, and all federal buildings. The design specifications are managed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for currency and the United States Mint for coins, ensuring uniformity. Various states, including Florida and Tennessee, also mandate its display in public schools or government offices, following statutes like the Florida State statutes.

● Constitutional Challenges

The constitutionality of the motto’s display on currency and in public spaces has been challenged repeatedly under the Establishment Clause. Landmark cases include Aronow v. United States (1970), where the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled it a "ceremonial deism" with no real religious impact. In Lynch v. Donnelly (1984), the Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of a crèche in a public display, citing the motto as an example of permissible governmental acknowledgment of religion. The most direct challenge, Newdow v. Lefevre, was dismissed on procedural grounds. These rulings often reference the precedent set by Zorach v. Clauson and the "endorsement test" from Lemon v. Kurtzman.

● Legislative History

The move to establish the motto nationally was spearheaded by Congressman Charles E. Bennett of Florida during the 1950s. This effort culminated in the passage of H.J. Res. 396, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on July 30, 1956, making it the official national motto. This legislative action occurred during the presidency of Eisenhower and the leadership of Speaker Sam Rayburn. Subsequent laws, such as Public Law 84-140 and Public Law 84-851, required its inclusion on all currency and its inscription in the Capitol Visitor Center. The United States Code, specifically 36 U.S.C. § 302, codifies its status.

● International Comparisons

Several other nations incorporate religious references in their state mottos or symbols, though often with different constitutional contexts. Canada's motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, is derived from Psalm 72, and its national anthem, O Canada, contains the line "God keep our land." The United Kingdom's national anthem, God Save the King, is a direct supplication. Switzerland's traditional phrase, Dominus providebit, appears on some coins, while Greece's national motto, Eleftheria i thanatos, is secular. The European Union, by contrast, deliberately omitted references to Christianity or God in its proposed European Constitution, following secular principles championed by figures like Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.

● Cultural Impact

The motto permeates American culture, appearing in contexts from political speeches to popular music. It was referenced by President Ronald Reagan in his "A Time for Choosing" speech and is often cited by figures like Billy Graham. In music, it is the title of albums by artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kanye West. The phrase is used by organizations like the American Legion and is displayed at events such as the National Prayer Breakfast. It has also been a point of critique in works by authors like Kurt Vonnegut and in legal commentary from the ACLU. Its use in films, including Dr. Strangelove, and on merchandise underscores its dual role as a national symbol and a cultural artifact. Category:National symbols of the United States Category:United States law Category:Political slogans