Historical and legal aspects of the American model of relations between the state and the Christian religious organizations

The article presents the analysis of the historical and legal features of the emergence and development of the American model of church-state relations. The formation of the American model has its origins in the period of European colonization of the American continent. The spread of Christianity in America is non-uniform: the southern part of America is under the influence of Catholicism, while the northern lands of America are shaped by the Protestant doctrines. At the time of formation of the independent American state, on its territory there were a number of different religions, for the most part of the Christian sense. In 1787, the state action was taken on the legal regulation of relations with religious organizations. On the basis of the First Amendment to the US Constitution, the Congress is prohibited to issue laws that directly or indirectly would testify the establishment of religion or the prohibition of its profession. Freedom of religion is a constitutional guarantee for every American citizen. This article tells briefly about the implementation of this principle. The article also deals with practical cooperation of the state with the Christian religious organizations and the role of religion in the life of an American citizen and society as a whole.