Civic Literacy Practice Test 2025 - Free Civic Literacy Questions and Study Guide

The scenario that demonstrates a violation of the equal protection clause is where a state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men than for women. The equal protection clause, part of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, mandates that individuals in similar situations be treated equally by the law. This clause is designed to prevent discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion.

Establishing different minimum wage rates based on gender clearly violates this principle, as it treats men and women unequally in the workplace, denying women the same economic opportunities afforded to their male counterparts. Such a law would not only create an unjust economic disparity but would also reflect discriminatory practices that the equal protection clause seeks to eliminate.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not constitute violations of the equal protection clause in the same way. Enforcing a curfew for minors applies to a specific age group and is justified as a public safety measure. Mandating uniforms for students aims to foster equality among students by reducing socio-economic disparities in clothing, not discriminating against a group. Charging different prices based on location can be a business strategy influenced by multiple factors such as supply and demand, and does not inherently discriminate against any particular group.