Government Glossary

Equal Protection

Equal protection means government cannot treat similarly situated people differently without a constitutionally sufficient reason.

Plain-English Meaning

Equal protection is the constitutional principle that government must provide equal treatment under law. It does not mean every law must affect everyone identically. It means classifications must have adequate justification, and some classifications, such as race, receive especially close judicial scrutiny.

Related Guide Pages

Judicial ReviewA practical guide to how courts review government action, where the power comes from, what limits it, and why the doctrine remains controversial.Rights And AmendmentsThis page explains amendments after the Bill of Rights, including Reconstruction, voting rights, income tax, presidential succession, term limits, and congressional pay.