A small town$$town in New Jersey begins a program of awarding construction contracts to Benicio$$s Construction and several other minority$-$owned construction companies. The town is attempting to correct its long history of illegal discrimination against minority$-$owned construction companies. Its guidelines mandate that it stop once there is success in balancing the number of city contracts awarded to Benicio and other minorities. Does this policy violate the equal protection clause? What are factors to consider? Select two responses.

Does the preference program go further than necessary to correct the problem?

Is the preference program necessary to promote a compelling government interest?

Is the preference program rationally related to some legitimate government interest?

Does the preference program substantially relate to important government objectives?

beyond the court$$s authority.