Final Answer:
The 20th-century American who challenged the constitutionality of affirmative action programs after his application to medical school was rejected is 4) Alan Bakke. (Option 4)
Step-by-step explanation:
Alan Bakke, a white applicant, challenged the affirmative action policies of the University of California, Davis Medical School in the landmark case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). Bakke argued that the school's use of racial quotas in admissions was unconstitutional and discriminatory. The Supreme Court's decision in the case had a significant impact on affirmative action policies, ruling that while the use of racial quotas was unconstitutional, race could be considered as one of many factors in the admissions process.
The case was a pivotal moment in the legal and social discourse surrounding affirmative action. Alan Bakke's challenge brought attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding the use of race in college admissions, sparking debates that continue to shape policies today. The Supreme Court's decision established that race could be one of many factors in admissions decisions but emphasized that strict quotas based on race were impermissible. This decision set the framework for the consideration of diversity in educational settings, allowing institutions to pursue inclusive admissions policies while avoiding rigid racial quotas.
In summary, Alan Bakke's challenge to affirmative action marked a crucial episode in the ongoing dialogue about race-conscious admissions policies in the United States and had a lasting impact on how universities approach diversity in their student bodies.(Option 4)