Discrimination based on wealth is reviewed under which standard?

Discrimination based on wealth is reviewed under which standard?

• A. Rational Basis
• B. Strict Scrutiny
• C. Intermediate Scrutiny
• D. Heightened Scrutiny

Answer: (A)

Discrimination based on wealth is treated as a non-suspect classification, so it falls under rational basis review. The government only needs to show that the law or policy is rationally related to a legitimate government objective. This standard is highly deferential—the court will uphold the measure so long as a plausible, legitimate purpose and a reasonable connection to that purpose can be found. Wealth doesn’t rise to a protected class or implicate a fundamental right in the way race, national origin, or fundamental rights do, so strict scrutiny and its related heightened or intermediate standards don’t apply.

Discrimination based on wealth is treated as a non-suspect classification, so it falls under rational basis review. The government only needs to show that the law or policy is rationally related to a legitimate government objective. This standard is highly deferential—the court will uphold the measure so long as a plausible, legitimate purpose and a reasonable connection to that purpose can be found. Wealth doesn’t rise to a protected class or implicate a fundamental right in the way race, national origin, or fundamental rights do, so strict scrutiny and its related heightened or intermediate standards don’t apply.