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Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Quiz

Which legislation in the United States aimed to prevent discrimination and provide equal opportunity in employment?

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Explanation

Enacted in 1964, the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment.

What is the main objective of affirmative action?

To ensure equal opportunity for historically disadvantaged groups

Explanation

Affirmative action seeks to address historical inequalities by providing preferential treatment to marginalized groups.

What is the term used to describe policies or programs that focus on removing barriers faced by historically disadvantaged groups?

Equal opportunity

Explanation

Equal opportunity policies aim to eliminate obstacles faced by historically marginalized groups.

In the United States, which federal agency enforces laws prohibiting workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Explanation

The EEOC in the U.S. enforces laws against workplace discrimination based on various factors.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of affirmative action programs?

Merit-based selection

Explanation

Unlike merit-based selection, affirmative action prioritizes factors like race or gender to address systemic disparities.

In the context of education, what does 'diversity' refer to?

Representation of various races, genders, and backgrounds

Explanation

In education, diversity aims to include a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among students.

What is the primary purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the United States?

To enforce laws against workplace discrimination

Explanation

The EEOC is tasked with enforcing laws that prohibit workplace discrimination based on various factors.

Which of the following is an example of a positive outcome resulting from affirmative action programs?

Improved representation of historically disadvantaged groups

Explanation

Affirmative action aims to increase representation and opportunities for groups historically marginalized.

Which group is often the target of backlash or criticism regarding affirmative action policies?

Majority groups

Explanation

Affirmative action can face criticism from majority groups who perceive it as disadvantaging them.

#10

Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under equal opportunity laws in many countries?

Political affiliation

Explanation

While many characteristics are protected, political affiliation is typically not a protected category under equal opportunity laws.

#11

What is the term used to describe a policy that prohibits discrimination based on gender and ensures equal opportunities for men and women?

Gender equality

Explanation

Gender equality policies aim to eradicate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all genders.

#12

Which Supreme Court case upheld the use of race as a factor in college admissions to promote diversity?

Grutter v. Bollinger

Explanation

Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) affirmed the constitutionality of considering race in college admissions for diversity.

#13

What is the significance of the Bakke case in the context of affirmative action?

It established the principle of merit-based admissions

Explanation

Bakke (1978) affirmed diversity but ruled against strict racial quotas, emphasizing merit-based admissions.

#14

What term describes policies or actions taken to address the effects of past discrimination by giving preference to historically disadvantaged groups?

Affirmative action

Explanation

Affirmative action addresses historical discrimination by providing preferential treatment to marginalized groups.

#15

What is the term used to describe a policy or practice that seeks to address systemic discrimination by considering the impact of policies and decisions on different groups?

Intersectionality

Explanation

Intersectionality examines how different social identities intersect and impact individuals within systemic discrimination.

#16

In which country did the term 'positive discrimination' originate as an alternative to 'affirmative action'?

United Kingdom

Explanation

The United Kingdom coined the term 'positive discrimination' as an alternative to 'affirmative action'.

#17

What is the term used to describe an approach that focuses on addressing disparities in outcomes rather than equalizing opportunities?

Equity

Explanation

Equity focuses on achieving fairness in outcomes, recognizing and addressing disparities.

#18

Which landmark U.S. Supreme Court case ruled that quotas based on race were unconstitutional but reaffirmed the use of race as a factor in admissions?

Hopwood v. Texas

Explanation

Hopwood v. Texas (1996) ruled against racial quotas but allowed considering race as a factor in admissions.

Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Quiz

Which legislation in the United States aimed to prevent discrimination and provide equal opportunity in employment?

What is the main objective of affirmative action?

What is the term used to describe policies or programs that focus on removing barriers faced by historically disadvantaged groups?

In the United States, which federal agency enforces laws prohibiting workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of affirmative action programs?

In the context of education, what does 'diversity' refer to?

What is the primary purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the United States?

Which of the following is an example of a positive outcome resulting from affirmative action programs?

Which group is often the target of backlash or criticism regarding affirmative action policies?

Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under equal opportunity laws in many countries?

What is the term used to describe a policy that prohibits discrimination based on gender and ensures equal opportunities for men and women?

Which Supreme Court case upheld the use of race as a factor in college admissions to promote diversity?

What is the significance of the Bakke case in the context of affirmative action?

What term describes policies or actions taken to address the effects of past discrimination by giving preference to historically disadvantaged groups?

What is the term used to describe a policy or practice that seeks to address systemic discrimination by considering the impact of policies and decisions on different groups?

In which country did the term 'positive discrimination' originate as an alternative to 'affirmative action'?

What is the term used to describe an approach that focuses on addressing disparities in outcomes rather than equalizing opportunities?

Which landmark U.S. Supreme Court case ruled that quotas based on race were unconstitutional but reaffirmed the use of race as a factor in admissions?

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