Affirmative action programs (AAPs) :

A) have been in effect since the beginning of the twentieth century
B) correct underutilization of qualified members of protected groups in an organization's relevant labor market
C) are governed by state agencies
D) require that all private-sector companies who have more than five employees hire members from protected groups
E) specify the employee hiring and firing practices for all private-sector companies

Affirmative action programs (AAPs) are designed to correct underutilization of qualified members of protected groups (minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, etc.) in an organization's relevant labor market. They have been in effect since the 1960s and are not governed by state agencies. Private-sector companies are not required to hire members from protected groups, but must only ensure that their employment practices do not discriminate against them. AAPs do not specify employee hiring and firing practices for all private-sector companies.