HSA 2007 Government Item 44

Read the passage below. Then answer the following.

For over 150 years, the state of Virginia operated an all-male college called the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). In 1990, the United States government sued the state of Virginia at the request of a female high school student seeking admission to VMI. The Supreme Court ruled that VMI had to admit women who could meet the physical and other requirements.

Which of these principles of law most likely influenced the Supreme Court's decision?

1. common law
2. equal protection
3. implied contract
4. presumption of innocence