Which category is listed as a rational basis example?

• A. Disability
• B. Wealth
• C. Orientation
• D. National origin

Answer: (B)

Under rational basis review, laws that classify people are given broad deference and will be sustained if there is any plausible legitimate government interest and the means chosen are rationally related to that interest. Wealth is the classic example used to illustrate this standard because distinctions based on wealth or income are typically upheld as long as they have a plausible connection to a legitimate objective, such as funding public services. A well-known reference point is the idea that differences in school funding based on local property wealth were deemed rationally related to a legitimate government interest, so the classification survived rational basis review.

National origin, disability, and sexual orientation have historically faced more stringent scrutiny or varying standards in different contexts, so they aren’t the standard illustration of rational basis. Wealth fits the concept best, showing how classifications with a plausible connection to a legitimate goal can be tolerated under this deferential standard.