Intermediate Scrutiny vs. Rational Basis Test: Explained for AP Gov

📚 Quick Study Guide

⚖️ Rational Basis Test: The lowest level of scrutiny. The government action must be rationally related to a legitimate government interest. 🎯 Burden of Proof: Plaintiff (challenger) must prove the law is not rationally related to a legitimate government interest. 👴 Groups Affected: Typically applies to age, disability, and economic regulations. 🏛️ Intermediate Scrutiny: A mid-level of scrutiny. The government action must further an important government interest and must do so by means that are substantially related to that interest. 💪 Burden of Proof: Government must prove the law serves an important interest and is substantially related to achieving that interest. 👩‍🦱 Groups Affected: Typically applies to gender and legitimacy. 🔎 Strict Scrutiny: The highest level of scrutiny (not covered in this quiz, but good to know!). The government must prove the law serves a compelling government interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.

Practice Quiz

1. Which level of scrutiny requires the government to prove that its action serves an important government interest and is substantially related to achieving that interest?
   1. Rational Basis Test
   2. Intermediate Scrutiny
   3. Strict Scrutiny
   4. Minimal Scrutiny
2. Under the Rational Basis Test, who bears the burden of proof?
   1. The Government
   2. The Plaintiff
   3. The Supreme Court
   4. The Jury
3. Which of the following classifications typically triggers intermediate scrutiny?
   1. Age
   2. Disability
   3. Gender
   4. Economic Status
4. The Rational Basis Test requires that a law be:
   1. Necessary to a compelling government interest
   2. Substantially related to an important government interest
   3. Rationally related to a legitimate government interest
   4. The least restrictive means of achieving a government interest
5. A law that discriminates based on age is most likely to be reviewed under which standard?
   1. Strict Scrutiny
   2. Intermediate Scrutiny
   3. Rational Basis Test
   4. Compelling Interest Test
6. What is the key difference between intermediate scrutiny and the rational basis test?
   1. Intermediate scrutiny requires a compelling government interest, while the rational basis test requires only a legitimate government interest.
   2. Intermediate scrutiny requires the action to be substantially related to the interest, while the rational basis test requires only a rational relationship.
   3. Intermediate scrutiny is applied to economic regulations, while the rational basis test is applied to gender discrimination.
   4. There is no difference between the two tests.
7. Which of the following best describes the "important" government interest required for intermediate scrutiny?
   1. Any interest the government deems important.
   2. A compelling interest, essential to society.
   3. An interest that is more than merely legitimate or reasonable.
   4. An interest related to national security.