Strict scrutiny is a

a. standard developed by the courts to test the constitutionality of a law; when applied, a law is constitutional as long as it meets a reasonable government interest.

b. clause in the Fifth Amendment Prohibiting state governments from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

c. test applied by the court when a classifi cation is based on race; the government must show that there is a compelling reason for the law and no other less restrictive way to meet the interest.

d. test that has been applied when a law classifi es based on sex; to be upheld, the law must meet an important government interest.

e. clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that forbids any state to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.