Arrange the following factors in the order of their contribution to the rise of mass incarceration: A) Implementation of mandatory minimum sentences, B) Decreased crime rates, C) Political decisions favoring punitive measures, D) Socioeconomic disparities affecting marginalized groups.

To understand the rise of mass incarceration, we can arrange the factors in the following order: first, we have political decisions favoring punitive measures, as these policies encouraged harsher sentencing and a focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation. Next, the implementation of mandatory minimum sentences played a significant role, as these laws required judges to impose strict prison terms for certain crimes, limiting their discretion. While decreased crime rates might seem like a factor that would lead to lower incarceration, it actually came after these policies were already in place, showing that crime rates alone don’t explain the rise. Lastly, socioeconomic disparities affecting marginalized groups highlight how these communities faced unfair treatment in the justice system, but they are more a consequence of the previous factors rather than a primary cause. For example, someone from a low-income neighborhood might receive a longer sentence due to mandatory minimums, illustrating how these laws disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups.