๐ Topic Summary: Affirmative Action in AP Gov
Affirmative action refers to a set of policies and practices within a government or organization seeking to increase the representation of groups historically discriminated against, particularly in employment and education. In the context of AP Government, understanding affirmative action involves analyzing its constitutional basis (primarily the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment), key Supreme Court cases, and the ongoing debate surrounding its fairness and effectiveness.
Major Supreme Court decisions, such as Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), and Gratz v. Bollinger (2003), have shaped the legal landscape, generally prohibiting quotas but allowing race to be considered as one factor among many to achieve a 'compelling interest' like diversity. These cases often involve the application of 'strict scrutiny' to racial classifications, demanding a narrow tailoring of policies to achieve a significant government interest.
๐ Part A: Vocabulary Match-Up
Match the term with its correct definition. Write the letter of the definition next to the term.
- ๐ฏ 1. Affirmative Action:
- โ๏ธ 2. Strict Scrutiny:
- ๐ซ 3. Quota:
- ๐ 4. Reverse Discrimination:
- ๐๏ธ 5. Equal Protection Clause:
Definitions:
- A. ๐ A provision of the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
- B. ๐ Policies designed to address past and present discrimination by giving preferential treatment to historically disadvantaged groups.
- C. ๐ An argument that affirmative action policies discriminate against members of the majority group.
- D. โ๏ธ The highest level of judicial review, requiring a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored means to achieve it.
- E. ๐ข A fixed number or percentage of minority group members required to be admitted or hired, generally deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
โ๏ธ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided below. Each word can only be used once.
Words: diversity, compelling, unconstitutional, Equal Protection, Bakke
Affirmative action policies have frequently been challenged under the _________ Clause of the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court's ruling in Regents of the University of California v. _________ established that racial quotas were _________, but race could be a factor in admissions to achieve a _________ interest in educational _________.
๐ค Part C: Critical Thinking Question
- ๐ 1. Evaluate the ongoing debate surrounding affirmative action in higher education. Discuss the arguments for and against its implementation, referencing at least two Supreme Court cases to support your position.