Since the 1970s, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Equal Protection Clause as prohibiting the government from making "_____" distinctions between people.

I honestly don't get this...Please help

Honestly..."arbitrary" is the word I remember. Check that with your text.

1.)unreasonable

2.)racial
3.)reasonable
4.)unnecessary

These are the choices...

Unreasonable

The 14th Amendment contains the Constitution's clearest statement of equality: "No State shall...deny to any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws." This sentence is known as the Equal Protection Clause, and it prohibits the government from discriminating on the basis of "unreasonable" classifications, such as race.

I'd be happy to help you understand this concept! The Supreme Court has interpreted the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, specifically in the Fourteenth Amendment, as prohibiting the government from making "arbitrary" or "unjust" distinctions between people. This means that the government cannot treat individuals or groups differently based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, nationality, or religion, if there is no rational basis or compelling government interest for doing so.

To better understand this, here's how you can break it down:

1. Read and understand the Equal Protection Clause: Start by reading the actual text of the Equal Protection Clause found in the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This will give you a general understanding of the concept.

2. Study Supreme Court interpretations: Research Supreme Court cases that have dealt with the Equal Protection Clause. Look for cases where the Court has specifically discussed and applied this clause. Reading summaries or opinions of these cases will help you understand how the Court has interpreted and applied this constitutional provision over time.

3. Focus on "arbitrary" or "unjust" distinctions: Pay attention to cases where the Court has ruled against the government for making distinctions based on certain characteristics without a reasonable or valid justification. This can include racial segregation, gender discrimination, or any other instance where the government treats people differently without a legitimate reason.

4. Understand the concept of "strict scrutiny": In some cases, the Court applies a standard called "strict scrutiny" to determine if a distinction made by the government is constitutional. This means that the government must have a compelling interest and must narrowly tailor its actions to achieve that interest when treating people differently based on certain characteristics.

By studying these aspects, you can develop a deeper understanding of how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Equal Protection Clause to prohibit the government from making arbitrary or unjust distinctions between people.