Affirmative Action - AP US Government and Politics

1. Identify a key argument in favor of affirmative action.

   It promotes diversity and equality in education and employment. Benefits extend beyond minorities to create enriched learning environments.

2. How do critics argue affirmative action affects meritocracy?

   It undermines meritocracy by prioritizing race over qualifications. Argues race-based preferences ignore individual merit and achievement.

3. What is an example of a diversity goal in affirmative action?

   Achieving a student body with varied racial and ethnic backgrounds. Creates inclusive campus environments benefiting all students.

4. What is the 'mismatch theory' related to affirmative action?

   The theory that affirmative action places students in environments too competitive for them. Claims affirmative action harms intended beneficiaries academically.

5. Identify a race-neutral alternative to affirmative action.

   Socioeconomic-based admissions policies. Focuses on economic disadvantage rather than racial identity.

6. What is the 'compelling interest' standard?

   A criterion for evaluating the constitutionality of affirmative action. Government must prove important societal need for race-conscious policies.

7. Which constitutional amendment is often cited in affirmative action cases?

   The 14th Amendment, concerning equal protection under the law. Guarantees all citizens equal treatment under the law.

8. Which Supreme Court case struck down quota systems?

   Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). Ruled racial quotas violate equal protection clause.

9. What is affirmative action?

   Policies that promote opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Designed to address historical discrimination and level the playing field.

10. Which executive order first introduced affirmative action?

    Executive Order 10925, signed by President Kennedy in 1961. Required federal contractors to ensure equal employment opportunity.

11. What is the main goal of affirmative action?

    To rectify past discrimination and promote diversity. Addresses systemic inequalities through proactive measures.

12. Which landmark Supreme Court case upheld affirmative action?

    Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). Allowed race as a factor in admissions but banned racial quotas.

13. What is the significance of Adarand Constructors v. Peña (1995)?

    It applied strict scrutiny to federal affirmative action programs. Established consistent constitutional standard for all affirmative action.

14. What is 'critical mass' in the context of affirmative action?

    Sufficient minority representation to ensure diverse perspectives. Minimum enrollment needed to realize diversity's educational benefits.

15. Which case addressed the use of a point system in admissions?

    Gratz v. Bollinger (2003). Challenged mechanical point-based affirmative action systems.

16. What is a quota system in the context of affirmative action?

    A fixed number or percentage of opportunities reserved for minorities. Struck down in Bakke as unconstitutional racial preferences.

17. What is the 'strict scrutiny' standard?

    A judicial review standard for assessing affirmative action policies. Highest level of constitutional review for race-based policies.

18. What is the primary focus of affirmative action in education?

    To increase minority representation in higher education institutions. Aims to diversify student bodies and expand educational access.

19. What is a race-conscious admissions policy?

    A policy that considers race as one of many factors in admissions. Race is one factor among many in holistic evaluation.

20. What does 'colorblind' mean in the context of affirmative action?

    Policies that do not consider race at all in decision-making. Race-neutral approach treating all applicants identically.

21. What is 'holistic review' in college admissions?

    Evaluating applicants based on a wide range of factors, including race. Comprehensive assessment considering multiple aspects of applicant background.

22. What did the Supreme Court rule in Parents Involved v. Seattle (2007)?

    Race cannot be used as the sole criterion for school assignments. Race alone insufficient justification for student assignment policies.

23. What is the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?

    To enforce federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Federal agency investigating and remedying workplace discrimination.

24. What is the significance of the 'narrow tailoring' requirement?

    Affirmative action policies must be specifically designed to achieve diversity. Policies must be carefully crafted to achieve stated goals minimally.

25. What did Gratz v. Bollinger (2003) find unconstitutional?

    The use of a point system that favored minority applicants too heavily. Lacked individualized consideration required for constitutional compliance.

26. Which President signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

    President Lyndon B. Johnson. Major civil rights legislation prohibiting various forms of discrimination.

27. What is the significance of United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979)?

    It upheld affirmative action in private sector employment. Allowed voluntary affirmative action programs in private employment.

28. What was the outcome of Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action (2014)?

    States can ban affirmative action policies via voter initiatives. States have authority to ban affirmative action through democratic process.

29. What is the meaning of 'legacy admissions'?

    Preference in admissions given to relatives of alumni. Traditional preference system benefiting children of graduates.

30. What was the outcome of Fisher v. University of Texas (2016)?

    Affirmative action in university admissions was upheld. Survived strict scrutiny as narrowly tailored diversity program.

31. What did the Presidential Executive Order 11246 mandate?

    It requires government contractors to take affirmative action. Applied affirmative action requirements to companies receiving federal contracts.

32. Which federal act initially aimed to eliminate discrimination in hiring?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Prohibited discrimination in employment and public accommodations.

33. Identify a federal initiative supporting affirmative action.

    The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Monitors federal contractor compliance with affirmative action requirements.

34. Identify a common criticism of affirmative action.

    It can lead to reverse discrimination against non-minority groups. Claims qualified majority candidates are unfairly disadvantaged.

35. What is the 'diversity rationale' in affirmative action?

    The argument that diversity benefits all students in educational settings. Justifies affirmative action based on educational benefits for all.

36. What does the term 'reverse discrimination' refer to?

    Discrimination against majority groups due to affirmative action. When affirmative action allegedly disadvantages majority group members.

37. Which case tested affirmative action in public contracting?

    City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. (1989). Applied strict scrutiny to state and local affirmative action programs.

38. What did the Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) decision affirm?

    Affirmative action in university admissions is constitutional. Upheld race-conscious admissions for achieving educational diversity.

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