What is affirmative action and is it constitutional? Flashcards
What is affirmative action?
Affirmative action refers to policies and practices aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups in education and employment.
True or False: Affirmative action is a quota system.
False: Affirmative action is not a quota system; it aims to promote equal opportunity.
What Supreme Court case upheld affirmative action in higher education in 2003?
Grutter v. Bollinger.
Fill in the blank: The primary goal of affirmative action is to combat __________.
discrimination.
What are some common arguments in favor of affirmative action?
Promotes diversity, compensates for past discrimination, and levels the playing field.
What are some common arguments against affirmative action?
It can lead to reverse discrimination and may undermine meritocracy.
True or False: Affirmative action is universally accepted in all states of the US.
False: Some states have banned affirmative action.
What is the legal basis for affirmative action in the United States?
It is based on the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and various federal laws.
What does the term ‘reverse discrimination’ refer to?
It refers to the perception that affirmative action discriminates against majority groups.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a goal of affirmative action? A) Increasing competition, B) Ensuring equal representation, C) Promoting individualism.
B) Ensuring equal representation.
What does the term ‘diversity’ mean in the context of affirmative action?
Diversity refers to the inclusion of individuals from various backgrounds and identities in a given setting.
Fill in the blank: Affirmative action policies often include __________ in hiring and admissions processes.
consideration of race and gender.
What is the significance of the case Fisher v. University of Texas?
It reaffirmed the use of affirmative action in university admissions.
True or False: All affirmative action programs are the same across the United States.
False: Programs vary by institution and state.
What is the main challenge to the constitutionality of affirmative action?
The argument that it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a component of affirmative action? A) Outreach programs, B) Quotas, C) Holistic review.
B) Quotas.
What is a holistic review in the context of college admissions?
It is an evaluation process that considers multiple factors, including academic achievements and personal background.
What is the impact of affirmative action on workplace diversity?
It generally leads to increased diversity in hiring and promotion practices.
Fill in the blank: Affirmative action policies are often evaluated based on their __________.
effectiveness.
What is a common misconception about affirmative action?
That it guarantees admission or employment based solely on race or gender.
True or False: Affirmative action is only relevant in the context of higher education.
False: It applies to both education and employment.
What role does the federal government play in affirmative action?
It enforces laws that require affirmative action in federal contracts and programs.
What is the term for the legal challenges against affirmative action policies?
Litigation.
Multiple Choice: Which amendment is often cited in discussions about affirmative action? A) First Amendment, B) Second Amendment, C) Fourteenth Amendment.
C) Fourteenth Amendment.
