What does equal protection under the law require?

• A. The government must treat similarly situated people alike and prevent unjust discrimination.
• B. The government can discriminate arbitrarily.
• C. The right to due process.
• D. The right to freedom of speech.

Answer: (A)

Equal protection under the law means the government must treat people who are in similar situations the same and cannot discriminate without a good reason. This idea, from the 14th Amendment, applies to state actions and requires that laws use classifications (like race or gender) only when there’s a justified purpose and they’re applied equally. Arbitrary discrimination violates this principle, while due process and freedom of speech protect different rights.