Equal Protection of the Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

Which of the following individuals is NOT protected from discrimination by the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

An individual based on their wealth

Answer

An individual based on their race

Answer

An individual based on their gender

Answer

An individual based on their religion

Question 2

When reviewing a law that discriminates against a fundamental right, the Supreme Court applies a level of scrutiny known as:

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis review

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Heightened scrutiny

Question 3

The landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of "separate-but-equal" facilities was:

Accepted Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Question 4

Which legal doctrine prohibits states from discriminating against non-residents?

Accepted Answer

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Answer

Equal Protection Clause

Answer

Comity Clause

Answer

Dormant Commerce Clause

Question 5

The constitutional amendment that guarantees the equal protection of laws to all individuals within a state's jurisdiction is the:

Accepted Answer

Fourteenth Amendment

Answer

First Amendment

Answer

Fifth Amendment

Answer

Eighth Amendment

Question 6

Distinguish between de jure and de facto segregation:

Accepted Answer

De jure segregation is imposed by law, whereas de facto segregation is not.

Answer

De jure segregation is not imposed by law, whereas de facto segregation is.

Answer

There is no distinction between de jure and de facto segregation.

Answer

De jure segregation is more prevalent than de facto segregation.

Question 7

Distinguish between facial and purposeful discrimination:

Accepted Answer

Facial discrimination is evident on the face of the law, whereas purposeful discrimination is not.

Answer

Purposeful discrimination is evident on the face of the law, whereas facial discrimination is not.

Answer

There is no distinction between facial and purposeful discrimination.

Answer

Facial discrimination is more common than purposeful discrimination.

Question 8

Which protected class is explicitly mentioned in the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

Accepted Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Religion

Answer

National origin

Question 9

When reviewing classifications based on race, which level of scrutiny do courts apply?

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis review

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

De novo review

Question 10

Identify the landmark case that established the strict scrutiny standard for race-based classifications.

Accepted Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Question 11

Define the intermediate scrutiny standard of review.

Accepted Answer

Government classifications must be rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest and supported by a substantial justification.

Answer

Government classifications must be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling governmental interest.

Answer

Government classifications must be narrowly tailored to achieve a legitimate governmental interest.

Answer

Courts will not scrutinize government classifications unless they are arbitrary or capricious.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a category that receives heightened scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

Wealth

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

National origin

Question 13

Explain the rational basis standard of review.

Accepted Answer

Government classifications must be rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest.

Answer

Government classifications must be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling governmental interest.

Answer

Government classifications must be narrowly tailored to achieve a legitimate governmental interest.

Answer

Courts will not scrutinize government classifications unless they are arbitrary or capricious.

Question 14

What does the term 'strict scrutiny' signify in the context of equal protection analysis?

Accepted Answer

Government classifications must be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling governmental interest.

Answer

Government classifications must be rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest and supported by a substantial justification.

Answer

Government classifications must be narrowly tailored to achieve a legitimate governmental interest.

Answer

Courts will not scrutinize government classifications unless they are arbitrary or capricious.

Question 15

Which fundamental principle is enshrined in the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

Accepted Answer

The government is prohibited from discriminating based on certain characteristics

Answer

Every person possesses inherent dignity and worthiness of respect

Answer

All individuals are entitled to equal access to opportunities

Answer

The judiciary serves as the ultimate guardian of individual rights

Question 16

In which landmark case did the Supreme Court first establish the "strict scrutiny" standard for laws classifying individuals based on race?

Accepted Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Question 17

Within the context of equal protection, what is the purpose of "intermediate scrutiny"?

Accepted Answer

To assess laws that create classifications based on characteristics deemed quasi-suspect

Answer

To evaluate laws that impose burdens on fundamental rights

Answer

To determine whether laws are rationally related to a legitimate government interest

Answer

To review laws that involve suspect classifications

Question 18

Which factor is NOT considered by courts when applying strict scrutiny to race-based classifications?

Accepted Answer

The demographic characteristics of the affected population

Answer

The compelling government interest

Answer

The precision of the law in achieving its objectives

Answer

The existence of less discriminatory alternatives

Question 19

Which example represents a law that was deemed unconstitutional due to a violation of equal protection principles?

Accepted Answer

A ban on same-sex marriage

Answer

A regulation prohibiting minors from purchasing alcohol

Answer

A requirement for standardized testing for high school graduation

Answer

A tax incentive for homeowners

Question 20

The Equal Protection Clause principally inhibits the government from:

Accepted Answer

Discriminating against individuals based on inherent traits

Answer

Denying citizens equal access to public amenities

Answer

Restricting equal distribution of wealth and property

Answer

Interfering with states' internal governance

Question 21

Which of the following is an incorrect level of scrutiny applied to evaluate laws under the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

Universal scrutiny

Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis review

Question 22

Which landmark case established the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

Accepted Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Question 23

Under the Equal Protection Clause, which of the following classifications is considered inherently suspicious?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Age

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Occupation

Question 24

Which of the following is not a recognized form of discrimination actionable under the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

Benign discrimination

Answer

Intentional discrimination

Answer

Disparate impact discrimination

Answer

De jure discrimination

Question 25

Under rational basis review, which factor is crucial in determining whether a law violates the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

The objective of the law

Answer

The impact on protected groups

Answer

The level of scrutiny applied

Answer

The historical context of the law

Question 26

Under strict scrutiny, what must the government demonstrate to justify a classification that discriminates based on a suspect class or impinges on a fundamental right?

Accepted Answer

A compelling government interest

Answer

An important government interest

Answer

A legitimate government interest

Question 27

The doctrine of intermediate scrutiny is applied to classifications that:

Accepted Answer

Affect quasi-suspect classes or important government interests

Answer

Affect suspect classes or fundamental rights

Question 28

How does the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause influence the development of constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

The Court's interpretations reflect and shape society's evolving understanding of equality and justice.

Answer

The Court's interpretations provide a fixed framework for lower courts to apply.

Answer

The Court's interpretations are binding on lower courts, subject to modification through constitutional amendments.

Question 29

Which standard of judicial review is used to determine whether a law that classifies individuals based on race violates the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis review

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Deference to the legislature

Question 30

Which landmark Supreme Court case established the unconstitutionality of racial segregation in public schools?

Accepted Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Question 31

Which of the following is not a recognized protected class under the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

Wealth

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Religion

Question 32

Which element is crucial in proving an equal protection violation based on a suspect classification?

Accepted Answer

Discriminatory intent

Answer

Governmental interest

Answer

Rational basis

Answer

Less restrictive means

Question 33

Which recent Supreme Court case addressed the use of race in college admissions?

Accepted Answer

Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

Answer

Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1

Answer

Grutter v. Bollinger

Answer

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a type of discrimination that may violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

Accepted Answer

Preferential treatment

Answer

Disparate treatment

Answer

Disparate impact

Answer

Institutional discrimination

Question 35

In US constitutional law, which level of scrutiny is applied to classifications based on race? Provide a real-world example to illustrate its application.

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis review

Answer

Strict scrutiny applies only to gender discrimination cases.

Question 36

What is the fundamental objective of the Equal Protection Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment?

Accepted Answer

To prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics

Answer

To ensure equal economic opportunities for all citizens

Answer

To safeguard the rights of individuals facing criminal charges

Answer

To guarantee equal access to educational opportunities

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a level of scrutiny applied by the Supreme Court in Equal Protection cases?

Accepted Answer

Minimal Scrutiny

Answer

Strict Scrutiny

Answer

Intermediate Scrutiny

Answer

Rational Basis Review

Question 38

Which level of scrutiny applies to laws that create classifications based on suspect classes like race or national origin?

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Heightened scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis scrutiny

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Question 39

Which level of scrutiny is applied to classifications based on race or national origin?

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Question 40

Which of the following is a justification for using racial classifications under strict scrutiny?

Accepted Answer

Remedial action to address past discrimination

Answer

To ensure equal opportunity

Answer

To prevent racial conflict

Answer

To promote diversity

Question 41

Which of the following is a characteristic of a law that satisfies the rational basis test?

Accepted Answer

It has a legitimate government purpose.

Answer

It has a compelling interest.

Answer

It is the least restrictive means of achieving its purpose.

Answer

It is narrowly tailored to achieve its purpose.

Question 42

What is the standard of review for laws that affect fundamental rights?

Accepted Answer

Strict scrutiny

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis

Answer

Presumption of constitutionality

Question 43

Which level of scrutiny is applied to economic classifications?

Accepted Answer

Rational basis

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Strict scrutiny

Question 44

When evaluating whether a classification is related to a legitimate governmental purpose, which of the following factors is NOT considered?

Accepted Answer

Political expediency

Answer

Public safety

Answer

Economic considerations

Answer

Administrative convenience

Question 45

Under what level of scrutiny would a law requiring all students to pass a standardized test to graduate high school likely be analyzed?

Accepted Answer

Rational basis scrutiny

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Heightened scrutiny

Answer

Strict scrutiny

Question 46

Which Supreme Court case established that discrimination against illegal aliens does not necessarily violate the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

Plyler v. Doe

Answer

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Question 47

Which of the following is not a standard of review used by courts in evaluating equal protection claims?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate-plus scrutiny

Answer

Rational basis review

Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Strict scrutiny

Question 48

Under the Equal Protection Clause, a state law that classifies individuals based on race will be deemed unconstitutional if it:

Accepted Answer

Lacks a rational basis and is not narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling government interest

Answer

Promotes a legitimate government objective but is not necessary to achieve that objective

Answer

Does not discriminate against a suspect class

Answer

Is narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling government interest but does not promote a legitimate government objective

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a suspect class?

Accepted Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Political affiliation

Question 50

The Equal Protection Clause applies to:

Accepted Answer

Both the federal government and the states

Answer

Neither the federal government nor the states

Answer

Only the federal government

Answer

Only the states

Question 51

Which of the following is a valid government interest that can justify a law that discriminates on the basis of race?

Accepted Answer

Remedying past discrimination

Answer

Protecting national security

Answer

Preventing crime

Answer

Maintaining social order

Question 52

Which of the following remedies is not available to address equal protection violations?

Accepted Answer

Imprisonment

Answer

Injunctions

Answer

Attorney's fees

Answer

Declaratory judgments

Question 53

Which of the following is an example of a facially neutral law that has a disparate impact on a protected class?

Accepted Answer

A law that requires all voters to have a high school diploma

Answer

A law that prohibits discrimination in employment

Answer

A law that establishes affirmative action programs

Question 54

Which of the following is a key distinction between the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause?

Accepted Answer

The Equal Protection Clause prohibits discrimination, while the Due Process Clause protects against arbitrary and unreasonable government action

Answer

The Equal Protection Clause applies only to the states, while the Due Process Clause applies to both the states and the federal government

Question 55

Which of the following is an example of a case in which the Supreme Court struck down a law that discriminated on the basis of race?

Accepted Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Loving v. Virginia

Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Question 56

Which of the following is a criticism of the Equal Protection Clause?

Accepted Answer

It has sometimes been used to uphold laws that perpetuate inequality

Answer

It is too vague and provides insufficient guidance to courts

Answer

It has weakened the protection of individual rights