Final answer:
Federally mandated affirmative action rules are enforced by the EEOC and typically apply to federal contractors with past discrimination lawsuits. The policies are intended to increase the opportunities for minorities in hiring and promotions. The U.S. Supreme Court has influenced the application of these rules, which continue to evolve amidst a diversifying workforce.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federally mandated affirmative action rules are regulations that require businesses to engage in practices to increase the hiring and promotion opportunities of minorities. These rules aim to redress past discrimination and are enforced by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). However, it is important to note that these rules primarily apply to federal contractors, especially those that have lost a discrimination lawsuit. While the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against some state affirmative action laws, the federal government continues to enforce these policies in specific instances. Moreover, the trend of a diversifying workforce suggests that racial and ethnic diversity will continue to affect hiring and promotion practices in the United States.
According to historical trends, the need for affirmative action arose from the efforts to address inequalities in the workplace and in education. The impact of affirmative action has been to promote the representation of underrepresented groups, although it has also spurred debates on reverse discrimination and the appropriateness of such policies.