The correct option is (c).
Explanation
This the constitutional principles of the United States regarding freedom of speech and religion, specifically under the First Amendment. In the context of the UPSC syllabus, this relates to the comparative analysis of constitutional schemes.
Statement 1 is Correct.
The Pledge of Allegiance currently recited in the United States includes the phrase "under God." This phrase was not part of the original pledge written in 1892; it was added by an act of Congress in 1954 during the Cold War era to distinguish the United States from "godless communism."
Statement 2 is Incorrect.
In the landmark Supreme Court case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), the Court ruled that the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment protects students from being forced to salute the American flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. Compelling students to recite the pledge against their religious beliefs or conscience constitutes a violation of their constitutional rights.
Statement 3 is Correct.
There have been significant legal challenges arguing that the phrase "under God" violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which mandates the separation of church and state. For example, in Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow (2004), the constitutionality of the phrase was challenged, though the Supreme Court dismissed the case on procedural grounds (standing) rather than ruling on the merits at that time.
Key Takeaway:
While the US Pledge of Allegiance contains religious reference ("under God"), the US Constitution prohibits the state from compelling individuals to recite it, upholding the principles of free speech and freedom of religion.