π Topic Summary: Standards of Review
In AP Government, understanding the "Standards of Review" is crucial for analyzing how courts, especially the Supreme Court, evaluate the constitutionality of laws that differentiate between groups of people. These standards determine how much deference the judiciary gives to legislative decisions. The three main standards are Rational Basis, Intermediate Scrutiny, and Strict Scrutiny, each requiring a different level of justification from the government and having varying burdens of proof. The choice of standard often dictates the outcome of a constitutional challenge, as it affects how rigorously a law's purpose and means are examined.
Essentially, if a law impacts a "suspect class" (like race) or a "fundamental right" (like free speech), courts apply Strict Scrutiny. If it involves a "quasi-suspect class" (like gender), Intermediate Scrutiny is used. For most other classifications (like age or wealth), the less demanding Rational Basis review is applied. Knowing when and why each standard is invoked is key to mastering constitutional law analysis.
π Part A: Vocabulary Match-Up
Match the term to its correct definition. Write the corresponding letter next to each number.
- 1. βοΈ Strict Scrutiny
- 2. π§ Rational Basis Review
- 3. π Intermediate Scrutiny
- 4. π₯ Suspect Class
- 5. π§ββοΈ Quasi-Suspect Class
Definitions:
- A. π― Requires a law to be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling government interest, with the government bearing a heavy burden of proof.
- B. π‘ Requires a law to be rationally related to a legitimate government interest, placing the burden of proof on the challenger.
- C. π§βπ A group, such as race or national origin, that has historically suffered discrimination and lacks political power, triggering a higher standard of review.
- D. ποΈ Requires a law to be substantially related to an important government interest, often used for gender-based classifications.
- E. π§βπ« A group, such as gender, that has some history of discrimination but not to the same extent as suspect classes.
βοΈ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the most appropriate terms related to Standards of Review.
When a law differentiates based on race, courts typically apply the ___________ standard, which demands the government prove a ___________ government interest and that the law is ___________ tailored. For classifications concerning gender, the ___________ standard is invoked, requiring the law to be ___________ related to an ___________ government interest. Most other classifications, such as those based on age or wealth, are examined under the less rigorous ___________ standard, where the law only needs to be ___________ related to a ___________ government interest.
π€ Part C: Critical Thinking Challenge
Consider a hypothetical state law that bans individuals under 25 from purchasing high-performance sports cars. Which standard of review would likely be applied to this law if challenged in court, and what arguments would the state need to make to defend its constitutionality under that standard?
