Equal Protection Standards of Review: AP Gov Quiz

📚 Quick Study Guide: Equal Protection Standards of Review

• ⚖️ Rational Basis Review:
  • 🎯 Application: Applies to most classifications (e.g., age, wealth, disability).
  • 🏛️ Government Burden: Must show a legitimate government interest and that the law is rationally related to that interest.
  • ✅ Outcome: Most laws pass this test, as the burden on the government is low.
• 🚨 Intermediate Scrutiny:
  • 🚻 Application: Applies to quasi-suspect classifications (e.g., gender, illegitimacy).
  • 📜 Government Burden: Must show an important government interest and that the law is substantially related to achieving that interest.
  • 🧐 Outcome: More difficult for the government to pass than rational basis, but not as hard as strict scrutiny.
• 🛡️ Strict Scrutiny:
  • 👤 Application: Applies to suspect classifications (e.g., race, national origin, religion, alienage) and fundamental rights (e.g., voting, interstate travel, marriage).
  • 🛑 Government Burden: Must show a compelling government interest and that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest (least restrictive means).
  • ❌ Outcome: Very difficult for the government to pass; laws are usually struck down unless absolutely necessary.
• 💡 Key Takeaway: The standard of review determines how much deference courts give to legislative decisions when evaluating if a law violates the Equal Protection Clause.

📝 Practice Quiz: Equal Protection Standards

Question 1: Which standard of review is applied to classifications based on race or national origin?

1. Rational Basis Review
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Strict Scrutiny
4. Heightened Scrutiny

Question 2: A law that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing alcohol would most likely be reviewed under which standard?

1. Strict Scrutiny
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Rational Basis Review
4. Compelling Interest Test

Question 3: Under which standard must the government demonstrate a "compelling government interest" and that the law is "narrowly tailored"?

1. Rational Basis Review
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Strict Scrutiny
4. Substantial Relationship Test

Question 4: Classifications based on gender are typically subject to which standard of review?

1. Rational Basis Review
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Strict Scrutiny
4. Minimal Scrutiny

Question 5: A state law requires all government employees to retire at age 65. This law would most likely be challenged under which standard?

1. Strict Scrutiny
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Rational Basis Review
4. Heightened Scrutiny

Question 6: Which standard of review requires the government to show an "important government interest" and that the law is "substantially related" to that interest?

1. Rational Basis Review
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Strict Scrutiny
4. Compelling Interest Test

Question 7: If a law infringes upon a fundamental right, such as the right to vote, which standard of review will a court apply?

1. Rational Basis Review
2. Intermediate Scrutiny
3. Strict Scrutiny
4. Deference Review