Final answer:
The various laws that seem to discriminate by age or education status do so in the interest of public safety, health, or educational quality, and are allowed under the equal protection clause if they serve legitimate government interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept that the federal, state, and local governments can engage in what seems like discrimination is grounded in the idea that these laws serve a legitimate government interest and are not arbitrary. For instance, age requirements for consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or driving are based on research that shows younger individuals may not have the maturity or physical capacity to handle these activities safely. The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to practice equal application of the laws, not absolute equality. It permits the government to differentiate between groups of people if there is a valid 'public interest' reason to do so, such as safety or health concerns. In terms of admission policies for public colleges and universities, these institutions may set certain academic standards to ensure that students are prepared for the rigors of college coursework, which is seen as necessary to maintain the quality of education.