AP U.S. Government topic quiz4 questions

3.13 Affirmative Action

Choose the best answer, check your reasoning, and use the explanation to correct any gap.

Question 1

Question 1 of 4

A neutral transit policy has unequal racial effects, but extensive discovery finds no discriminatory purpose. Which equal-protection conclusion is strongest?

A facially neutral policy does not violate equal protection based on disparate impact alone; the constitutional claim also requires discriminatory governmental purpose. Other statutes may address effects without that showing.
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A. Disparate impact alone does not establish an equal-protection violation

A facially neutral policy does not violate equal protection based on disparate impact alone; the constitutional claim also requires discriminatory governmental purpose. Other statutes may address effects without that showing.

Question 2

Question 2 of 4

A city denies a zoning permit for a group home serving people with intellectual disabilities while granting permits to otherwise comparable homes. The record contains only neighbors' unsupported fears. Under equal protection, which conclusion is strongest?

Disability classifications ordinarily receive rational-basis review, but that test still requires a legitimate governmental purpose and a rational connection to the rule. Unsupported hostility or fear does not by itself justify treating an otherwise comparable group home differently.
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B. The denial can fail rational-basis review because bare prejudice is not a legitimate purpose

Disability classifications ordinarily receive rational-basis review, but that test still requires a legitimate governmental purpose and a rational connection to the rule. Unsupported hostility or fear does not by itself justify treating an otherwise comparable group home differently.

Question 3

Question 3 of 4

A state expressly separates public-school students by race. Which equal-protection analysis applies?

An express governmental racial classification triggers strict scrutiny without a separate search for hidden discriminatory purpose or personal hostility. Equal facilities, local control of education, and the absence of personal animus do not reduce the standard to intermediate or rational-basis review.
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C. Strict scrutiny because the law contains an express racial classification

An express governmental racial classification triggers strict scrutiny without a separate search for hidden discriminatory purpose or personal hostility. Equal facilities, local control of education, and the absence of personal animus do not reduce the standard to intermediate or rational-basis review.

Question 4

Question 4 of 4

A public employer excludes women from travel-intensive positions based on the assumption that mothers prefer to remain near home. Why is the policy constitutionally suspect?

Sex classifications ordinarily receive intermediate scrutiny, which rejects broad assumptions about the roles or preferences of men and women. Statistical generalizations cannot substitute for the required substantial relationship to an important objective.
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D. The sex classification relies on a broad role stereotype rather than an important objective substantially related to the classification

Sex classifications ordinarily receive intermediate scrutiny, which rejects broad assumptions about the roles or preferences of men and women. Statistical generalizations cannot substitute for the required substantial relationship to an important objective.

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