Which standard does the rational basis test evaluate?

The rational basis test is a standard used by courts to evaluate the constitutionality of laws, particularly concerning economic regulation and social policy. Specifically, it examines whether a law serves a legitimate government interest and whether the means chosen to achieve that interest are rationally related to that goal. This standard is applied in cases where the law does not involve fundamental rights or suspect classifications, such as race or gender.

When a law is challenged under the rational basis test, the government only needs to show that there is a legitimate reason for the law and that it is rationally connected to that reason. This makes it a relatively lenient standard of review compared to strict scrutiny, which is applied to laws affecting fundamental rights or suspect classifications. In summary, the rational basis test looks to see if there is a reasonable justification for the law's existence, ensuring that laws fulfill their intended purposes without overly restricting individual rights. By focusing on legitimate government interests, this standard supports a broader range of legislative actions while still providing a framework for assessing potential grievances.