Which constitutional provision did Craig v. Boren interpret to address gender-based distinctions?

Which constitutional provision did Craig v. Boren interpret to address gender-based distinctions?

• A. Dormant Commerce Clause
• B. First Amendment freedom of speech
• C. Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment
• D. Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

Answer: (D)

Gender-based distinctions are addressed through the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In Craig v. Boren, the Court struck down a state law that treated men and women differently when selling beer, reasoning that sex-based classifications must be substantially related to an important government objective, i.e., they undergo heightened (intermediate) scrutiny. That means the constitutional provision at issue is the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, which protects individuals from unconstitutional discrimination by state governments. The Dormant Commerce Clause, the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause do not provide the basis for invalidating this state gender-based restriction in this case.

Gender-based distinctions are addressed through the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In Craig v. Boren, the Court struck down a state law that treated men and women differently when selling beer, reasoning that sex-based classifications must be substantially related to an important government objective, i.e., they undergo heightened (intermediate) scrutiny. That means the constitutional provision at issue is the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, which protects individuals from unconstitutional discrimination by state governments. The Dormant Commerce Clause, the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause do not provide the basis for invalidating this state gender-based restriction in this case.